|
Dear All
Hello
A Spitfire and a Hurricane have taken part in a flypast to mark the 70th anniversary of the Battle of Britain.
It was watched by Prince Charles, Prince William and Prime Minister David Cameron, who all attended a service at Westminster Abbey.
The 1940 battle saw RAF pilots repelling a German bid for air superiority, making an invasion of the UK impossible.
The Westminster Abbey service was attended by veterans of the Battle of Britain and representatives of the Ministry of Defence.
An RAF chaplain spoke of the pilots' "bravery and sacrifice" for freedom.
As well as commemorating the achievements of those who fought in the 1940s, this year's service celebrated the work of the men and women currently serving in the Royal Air Force.
The Prince of Wales is patron of the Battle of Britain Fighter Association, and his son, Prince William, has just graduated as an RAF helicopter pilot.
Following the thanksgiving service, Prince Charles said:
"I always find it so moving, this particular service each year, it always brings a tear to my eye particularly in the way the wonderful veterans marched up the aisle.
"There's something very special about it. Of course we owe an enormous debt to them, it makes one feel very humble."
The Prince said it was "absolutely crucial" that the country continued to remember their sacrifice, and that the example set by veterans was important to follow today.
If the veterans had failed, Adolf Hitler would have sent his armies to invade. But the RAF did not buckle. The pilots of the Spitfires and Hurricanes beat off their German opponents.
RAF Chaplain in Chief Raymond Pentland said at the ceremony: "Seventy years ago a generation of young men took to the skies and their bravery and sacrifice won our freedom.
"Today we salute the few and give thanks for their bravery, sacrifice and our freedom."
Other commemorations for the 70th anniversary have been held this year, including one on 20 August to mark the date when wartime Prime Minister Winston Churchill said of the service personnel: "Never in the field of human conflict was so much owed by so many to so few".
The Battle of Britain began on 10 July 1940 and ended on 31 October when the Luftwaffe were pushed back by the determination of the RAF.
More than 2,900 British, Commonwealth and Allied aircrew took part.
TO REMEMBER THOSE WHO SERVED AND THOSE WHO DID NOT RETURN.
Take gentle care
Very sincere wishes
xx
|
|
Elizabeth,
I was out for lunch when the programme was on, but have just watched the recording. It was very moving.
There are highlights tonight at 8.30 on BBC 1.
We owe so much to those who served during the Battle of Britain and during the whole of WW2.
We will remember them.
Elisabeth xx
|
|
Hi EOS,
Have just watched women spitfire pilots on catch up tv and thought it was a brilliant programme. Their bravery and no nonsense approach must have been an inspiration at that uncertain time.
Can't believe they flew everything from bi-planes to Lancaster bombers with only short training times.
There were some real characters.
Wonder if anyone on here is related to them as I would be privileged to have anyone of them as my Grandparent.
Katherine xx
|
|
Hi Elizabeth,
Yes I watched it this afternoon....very moving indeed. My granfather served in the RAF as did my brother and his son who is now serving in Afghan. We owe so much to them all..........brave men all of them.
Annx
|
|
Just a pity that the general public did'nt turn out to commemorate this anniversary.
There were more military than civilian's in the crowd.
It seem's that a lot of today's public, have no idea/can't be bothered,to turn out and celebrate such a vital time line in British History.
Cass
|
|
Dear All
Hello
Thank you for you kind replies.
A gentle nudge
Thank you
xx
|
