A commemorative plaque in honour of Slovak and Czech aviators who served in the British Royal Air Force during World War II was unveiled at Milan Rastislav Štefánik Square in Bratislava on June 18. The plaque was sponsored by the British communities living in Slovakia and the Czech Republic.
“Seventy years ago, 2,500 young men from your countries - from their own will - decided to take part in World War II,” said Air Chief Marshal Sir Stuart William Peach at the ceremony near the left bank of the Danube River. “They flew with the RAF ... and they were courageous. We’re now unveiling a plaque in the spirit of their heroism.” Peach also praised current military relations between Slovakia and the UK. “Our militaries are currently serving together in Afghanistan, for example,” he said, according to the TASR newswire.
A memorial in the shape of a winged lion was unveiled also in Prague, on June 17. The British communities in the two countries raised a total of €120,000 for both memorials within a month. The money was divided in order to produce the two memorials and what was left over will be used for care for WWII veterans and widows of veterans in the Sue Ryder Senior Home in Prague.
(Source: TASR)
Compiled by Zuzana Vilikovská from press reports
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