YOU might imagine the word “battle” would describe an event taking place over days, months or even, occasionally, years.

But the Battle of Atlantic went on throughout World War II, as the Allies fought to keep Britain supplied in the face of U-boat attacks.

Yesterday’s commemorations came on the 70th anniversary of the decisive point in the campaign.

Christchurch quite rightly honoured its Atlantic veterans – men in their late 80s and 90s – at a service in the Priory.

It was least the town could do for these gentlemen to whom we owe so much.