Battle of the Atlantic: The Foundation of Victory
Joshua Bassett will present a talk about the Battle of the Atlantic, the longest running and geographically largest battle of the second world war. For four years from 1939 to the battle’s climax in 1943, British and Allied navies fought a life-or-death struggle against the menace of Axis U-boats. This talk will cover the battles’ key events, and illustrate how victory in the Atlantic laid the foundation for Allied victory everywhere in 1945.
From Barn Engines to the Battle of Jutland
In 1915 the Petter-Westland Company in Yeovil (now Leonardo-Westland) took its first steps from producing agricultural engines into aircraft manufacture. Immediately successful due to the skill level of the factory workers, it made a batch of Royal Navy Seaplanes of the most advanced type at the time.
One of these aircraft, Number 8359, was amongst the first to be manufactured by Westlands and would become the only one to take part in the Battle of Jutland in 1961. It was piloted by the famed aviator Lt Fredrick Joseph Rutland, a was a pioneer of British naval aviaition who earned the nickname “Rutland of Jutland” and a DSC for his exploits. Now, over 100 years later, the original sections of his aircraft, a Short Type 184, are back in Yeovil as key exhibits at the Fleet Air Arm Museum.
Dave Morris, the museum curator, looks at how Petters became aircraft builders in Yeovil, how Westlands got its name and the journey Rutland’s aircraft made from the factory to Jutland, ended its service in World War 1 and ultimately returned to Yeovil.
Refreshments (tea, coffee and soft drinks) will be provided
Ticket prices: Early Bird £5 | Advance £6 | On the Door £7
Tickets for all events listed can be purchased online now (www.somertonartsfestival.co.uk), and will also be available to purchase from our new ticket office at The Stationery House in Somerton from 1st May.