To mark the 80th anniversary of the Battle of Britain, Clwyd West Darren Millar has visited an RAF exhibition commemorating Wales’s role in the historic aviation battle.

Darren joined local dignitaries and Squadron Leader John Dunn for a tour of the exhibition at the Holy Trinity Church in Llandudno and was told about local hero Flight Lieutenant Glyn Griffiths DFM, who had fought as a Hurricane pilot in the Battle of Britain.  

Darren said:

“The Wales and Battle of Britain Exhibition was a fantastic exhibition created by the RAF’s Air Historical branch to celebrate the 80th anniversary of the Battle of Britain  and commemorate the contribution made by the Welsh People. 

“The Battle of Britain was the largest air battle ever recorded and one of the most pivotal and iconic moments in the history of this country. It marked a turning point of the Second World War when Britain stood alone against Hitler's seemingly unstoppable military power. 

“The exhibition told the untold story from a Welsh perspective, including information on the Royal Observer Corps, the story of Edward Bowen, from Swansea, who played an important role in the invention of radar, and also how RAF stations in Wales, together with local communities across Wales, all contributed to victory in 1940.

“During my visit, John told the story of local hero, Flight Lieutenant Glyn Griffiths DFM, who had fought as a Hurricane pilot in the Battle of Britain.

“Flying with 17 Squadron, he contributed to the destruction of 10 enemy aircraft during the Battle of Britain and was later awarded the Distinguished Flying Medal (DFM).

“On 16th October 1943 Griffiths was returning from a sortie over France in his Mustang fighter when his wingman, Flying Officer J Ingham, collided with him over their base at RAF Odiham. Griffiths baled out but not before he had suffered severe burns, Ingham was killed.

“Flight Lieutenant Griffiths had not recovered from his injuries before the war ended.  He retired from the RAF in 1946 as a Flight Lieutenant and died in 1983. In 2020 the Red Arrows flew over Llandudno in aerial salute  to him.

“It was incredibly moving to attend the informative exhibition and to hear of Glyn’s incredible bravery.  I thank the RAF for bringing it to North Wales.”