MERCHANT and Naval ships are set to sail onto the Mersey for three days of commemorations and celebrations from today (May 26) marking 80 years since the Battle of the Atlantic.

A Lancaster bomber, Spitfire and Hurricane will fly along the Mersey at 12.11pm today, 11.50am and 1.15pm on Saturday (May 27) and 12.30pm on Sunday (May 28). There will also be Seafire and Swordfish displays.

The flypasts are part of a weekend of events to commemorate the critical part Merseyside played during World War II. The Battle of the Atlantic ran from the declaration of war on September 3, 1939, until VE Day on May 8, 1945.

Wirral played a vital role in the campaign, with 12,000 men and women working around the clock at Cammell Laird, building one navy ship every 21 days totalling 106 vessels. They also repaired more than 2,000 merchant and naval vessels to allow them to return to service.

The Mayor of Wirral, Councillor Jerry Williams, said: “The Battle of the Atlantic is an important part of Wirral’s as well as the UK’s and Europe’s history. Without the monumental efforts and massive sacrifices made by so many, victory over Nazi Germany and the freedoms we enjoy today would not have happened.

“The men and women of that generation deserve this recognition and all of our thanks.”

The Battle of the Atlantic flypasts are as follows:

Friday, May 26

  • 12.11pm – 12.16pm: Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, Swordfish, Poseidon
  • 7pm – 7.08pm: Swordfish display

Saturday, May 27

  • 11am – 11.10am: Seafire and Swordfish formation display
  • 11.50am– 12.05pm: Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (Lancaster, Hurricane, Spitfire - 3 passes)
  • 1.15pm – 1.30pm: Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (Lancaster, Hurricane, Spitfire - 3 passes)
  • 3pm – 3.10pm: Seafire and Swordfish formation display

Sunday, May 28

  • 12.30pm – 12.45pm: Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (Lancaster, Hurricane, Spitfire - 3 passes)
  • 1.50pm – 2pm: Swordfish display
  • 5.20pm – 5.30pm: Swordfish display

All flypasts are subject to the weather.