The Battle of Atlantic commemorative events took place in Liverpool between 26th and 28th of May, with numerous events throughout the weekend. The Royal Naval Association (RNA) also took part in the events by hosting a conference which brought veterans together to commemorate the victorious battle.
We provided £4,485 in funding to the RNA to facilitate the attendance of Battle of the Atlantic veterans at the BoA80 events, as part of the RNRMC x Greenwich Hospital Remembrance and Comradeship Grant.
The commemorations meant a lot to veterans who attended:
"Commemorating the 80th BoA anniversary, the longest and largest naval campaign in history, and the last opportunity for veterans in their late 90s to be present and interviewed, reuniting in Liverpool from all over the country. We are proud to have taken a proactive role in planning and supporting an enjoyable, active, and reflective BoA commemoration weekend.
BoA80 is the last occasion offering the opportunity for BoA veterans to be physically present and represented. All are now in their late 90s, with one (over 100 years of age) unable to attend.
RNA Member
One of the attendees was the Battle of Atlantic veteran Frank Cooper, who told Forces News:
"It's a long time since I've done [something] like this.
"I live on my own, I do all my own cooking and washing, but my neighbours do my garden for me and my nephews and nieces do shopping for me. [...]
"Fantastic. I met Princess Anne and the Admiral and some more top officers and they all came and shook my hand.".
You can read the whole story here.
You can find out more about the RNRMC x Greenwich Hospital Remembrance and Comradeship Grant here.
