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Battle of Trafalgar Square
Alex Stephens, Evening Standard07.03.08
Fighter pilots who flew in the Second World War gathered in Trafalgar Square today to call for a permanent memorial to an unsung hero of the Battle of Britain.
Against the backdrop of a replica Spitfire, the veterans were joined by MPs and senior RAF officers to launch a bid to place a statue of Air Chief Marshal Sir Keith Park on the square's fourth plinth.
The campaign is being led by City philanthropist Terry Smith, who is willing to spend more than £100,000 on a bronze sculpture of Sir Keith.
The New Zealander and First World War fighter ace, who died in 1975 aged 83, is credited with masterminding the RAF defence of Britain against the Luftwaffe.
Sir Douglas Bader said Sir Keith had borne the "awesome responsibility" for ensuring Britain's survival against German planes, while Lord Tedder, as Marshal of the RAF, said of him: "If any man won the Battle of Britain he did."
Mr Smith, chief executive of trading house Tullett Predom, says the statue would be a more fitting use of the plinth than its current role as a showcase for contemporary art. He said: "It is unbelievable that there is no recognition of a man who made such a massive contribution to Britain's defence. The Germans called him the defender of London. If you look around the square, there are admirals and generals but no statues of anyone in the RAF."
Mayor Ken Livingstone said there were more suitable locations for a statue, adding: "I support a permanent national memorial to Sir Keith Park in London."
The plinth is currently occupied by Model For A Hotel by German artist Thomas Sch¸tte, which is expected to be in place for 18 months.
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"He masterminded Britain's defence against the Luftwaffe."
And to do this, like thousands of NZers in both World Wars, he travelled half way around the world to the place they then knew as "the home country." He deserves to stand in Trafalgar Square, alongside Lord Nelson.
- Susan Macpherson, Alexandra NZ and Brecon Wales
It is very interesting to see the comments made so far, but I must admit the idea of Dowding Park & Leigh-Mallory is excellent-all three played their role in a battle the whole world should give thanks for the outcome of. Despite their often heated debate they (& their aircrews) literally pulled off a miracle in 1940.
With the shabby way Dowding & Park were treated after the Battle of Britain, it is least this country can do to make amends to them. I wish Mr Smith all the luck & offer my support to his campaign.
As a relatively young man of 43 I feel very privileged to have met many pilots of the battle & personally feel that it is of such great importance that it should be taught as part of the curriculum.
- Adrian Ford-Simms, Retford, England
The Trafalgar plinth should not used for these very odd so called works of art, there are plenty of art galleries to home them. This square in the centre of London is dedicated to people who served this country. Sir Keith Park perfect, please no more arty farty rubbish
- Dennis Jackson , London
