Skip to main content
The Executive Office The Executive Office

Main navigation

  • Home
  • Topics
  • Publications
  • Consultations
  • Contact

Translation help

Translate this page

Select a language

  • Arabic — عربي
  • Chinese (Simplified) — 中文简体
  • Chinese (Traditional) — 中文繁體
  • Dutch — Nederlands
  • Filipino — Filipino
  • French — Français
  • German — Deutsch
  • Hungarian — Magyar
  • Irish — Gaeilge
  • Italian — Italiano
  • Latvian — Latviešu
  • Lithuanian — Lietuvių kalba
  • Polish — Polski
  • Portuguese — Português
  • Romanian — Română
  • Russian — Русский
  • Slovak — Slovenčina
  • Spanish — Español
  • Ukrainian — Українська
  • Ross commemorates the Battle of Britain

    Date published: 18 September 2016

    Junior Minister Alastair Ross today attended a service of thanksgiving and rededication for the Battle of Britain in Westminster Abbey.

    Blue graphic with the word 'News' in white letters.

    The event marked the victory of RAF pilots and aircrew in the battle, the first major campaign fought entirely in the skies, in 1940.

    Junior Minister Ross said: "It is a privilege to be here today and represent the First Minister at this important event. The Battle of Britain occurred at one of the darkest moments of World War Two. Today’s service is an apt reminder of the remarkable victory and sacrifice of the airmen who fought in our defence 76 years ago. Of the 2,936 airmen from 15 nations who fought together over 500 lost their lives at the battle, and many more were to die before the end of the war.

    “Today is a celebration of their victory but also importantly a commemoration of those who lost their lives. We owe our thanks to the men and women of the RAF service today, the surviving veterans of the battle and all those who gave the supreme sacrifice.

    “Remembering and learning from the dreadful consequences of division and conflict is vital if we are to build a better future. We must all continue to dedicate ourselves to strive for peace and justice.”

    Notes to editors:

    Media enquiries to The Executive Office press office on 028 9037 8201. Out of office hours, please contact the duty press office via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.

    Latest news

    • Ministers attend end of year Crescendo concert

      12 June 2025

    • New AI and Digital office will drive innovation and transform services – O’Neill and Little-Pengelly.

      12 June 2025

    • Statement from the Executive on public disorder

      11 June 2025

    • Ministers raise key issues during constructive meeting with PM

      23 May 2025

    More news …
    Share this page Share on Facebook (external link opens in a new window / tab) Share on X (external link opens in a new window / tab) Share by email (external link opens in a new window / tab)

    Department footer links

    • Crown copyright
    • Terms and Conditions
    • Privacy
    • Cookies
    • Accessibility
    • The Northern Ireland Executive
    • The Executive Office
    • Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs
    • Department for Communities
    • Department for Education
    • Department for the Economy
    • Department of Finance
    • Department for Infrastructure
    • Department for Health
    • Department of Justice
    • nidirect.gov.uk — the official government website for Northern Ireland citizens