Tribute to the Few coup for Yanks spectacular

CHURCHILL: famous speech

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A fabled speech by wartime prime minister Winston Churchill will be displayed in a special exhibition this weekend.

The speech, in praise of “The Few” - the heroes of the Battle of Britain - was made in a hushed House of Commons in 1940. It will have added poignancy in Saddleworth as it will be accompanied by a flypast by a Spitfire, a Hurricane and a Dakota to underpin the 75th anniversary of the legendary air battle.

The six-page speech by the former Oldham MP is part of a unique collection of wartime memorabilia owned by collector David Harrop, which will be on view at The Yanks jamboree. It appears with the line book of 222 Squadron — the unofficial record made by the flyers containing anecdotes, paintings and letters.

The exhibition, at Saddleworth School in Uppermill, offers a fascinating mosaic of both world wars and includes the history of the postal service.

David (66), from Stockport, has been collecting wartime memorabilia since he was a child: “I’m very proud of my collection, and the Churchill speech was a real find. It is particularly important with it being the 75th anniversary of the Battle of Britain.

Saddleworth School is one of the central points of the colourful spectacular, which celebrates the use of Saddleworth and other local landscapes in the filming of the World War II movie “Yanks” in the late Seventies.

The school will be home to a camp for living history re-enactors and vintage military and classic vehicle owners, who will recreate the atmosphere of wartime Britain.

The nostalgic theme will sweep across the village with events at local High Street pubs and the Civic Hall.