A Service of Thanksgiving and Rededication was held today at Westminster Abbey to mark the 85th anniversary of the Battle of Britain, one of the most pivotal battles of World War II.
The whole fury and might of the enemy must very soon be turned on us. Hitler knows that he will have to break us in this Island or lose the war. If we can stand up to him, all Europe may be free and the life of the world may move forward into broad, sunlit uplands..... Let us therefore brace ourselves to our duties, and so bear ourselves that, if the British Empire and its Commonwealth last for a thousand years, men will still say, 'This was their finest hour'.
18 June 1940 Sir Winston Churchill
Between July and October 1940, the Battle of Britain was a significant air campaign fought largely over southern England. After the fall of France and the British evacuation at Dunkirk, Germany had hoped to gain dominance in the air and invade the United Kingdom. Impeding them were the brave Hurricane & Spitfire pilots of RAF Fighter Command who were supported by a vast array of ground crew including riggers, armourers and maintenance engineers. The Observer Corps, barrage balloon crews and searchlight operators contributed by scanning the skies twenty-four hours a day looking for enemy aircraft. And the Women’s Auxiliary Airforce & Local Defence Volunteers stood shoulder to shoulder to act as the last line of defence against invasion.
It is always a pleasure to be able to volunteer to support the Battle of Britain Memorial Service. Over the years’ I have been privileged to meet members of ‘The Few’’, the Many who supported them and their families.
They truly are an inspirational generation who we must never forget. At our nation’s hardest times, they stepped up with courage to defend the nation and are a real inspiration to us all who still serve.
Group Captain Houghton.
A service of thanks and remembrance has taken place annually on, or near to the 15th September (now known as Battle of Britain Day). It was a day marked by heavy fighting resulting in a decisive defeat and heavy losses for the German Luftwaffe. It is synonymous with honouring the courage and tenacity of all who fought to keep Great Britain free.
The dignified service at Westminster Abbey has been the location for commemorations since 1944.
'Never in the field of human conflict was so much owed by so many to so few'
20 Aug 1940, Sir Winston Churchill.
Before the service started wreaths were laid at the RAF Memorial by Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Harv Smyth and personnel from New Zealand, Canada, Australia, South Africa and representatives from The Royal Air Force Association and the RAF Benevolent Fund. The service concluded with a trumpeter playing The Last Post followed by the Reveille.
At the start of the service the Standard of No. 29 Squadron of the Royal Air Force was borne through the church, presented, and laid upon the High Altar by Flight Lieutenant Bedford escorted by Flight Lieutenant Livingston and Flight Lieutenant Stohrer as the RAF band played the Fanfare to the Royal Air Force.
Flight Sergeant Aven read the First Lesson: Ecclesiasticus 44: 1-14 followed by the choir singing the Psalm.
As a member of the RAF, the opportunity to read a passage from the Bible during the Battle of Britain service at Westminster Abbey is a significant honour, instilling a profound sense of reverence and pride. The Battle of Britain serves as a powerful reminder of the courage and sacrifices made by those who defended the UK, during a pivotal moment in history. The solemnity of the occasion reinforces a shared sense of purpose and respect, fostering a deep connection of their enduring legacy.
FS Aven
Reader of First Lesson.
Speaking from the lectern at the altar, Air Chief Marshal Harv Smyth, Chief of the Air Staff, read the Second Lesson from Hebrews 12: 1-6, 12-14.
The service included an Act of Remembrance during which the Battle of Britain Roll of Honour was borne from the Grave of the Unknown Warrior to the Sacrarium by Flight Lieutenant Bird, escorted by serving descendants of Battle of Britain Airmen and serving RAF Aircrew from former Battle of Britain Squadrons.
Special guests included, The Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and Marshal of the RAF The Lord Stirrup representing His Majesty The King.
As a Warrant Officer of the Royal Air Force, standing in Westminster Abbey for the Battle of Britain Rededication is a moment of solemn reflection and deep honour. In this sacred space, we remember the many and ‘The Few’—those who stood firm in our darkest hour, who flew, fought, and fell so that freedom might endure.”
Warrant Officer Subramaniam
Warrant Officer of the Royal Air Force
The service continued with an address from the Chaplain-in-Chief of the RAF, The Venerable Dr (Air Vice-Marshal) Legood.
Finally, The Very Reverend Dr David Hoyle, Dean of Westminster, read the Act of Rededication saying: “On this 85th anniversary of the Battle of Britain, let us rededicate ourselves to building a world in which there is justice and peace for all, and where each may live with full human dignity.”
As the congregation stood for the Call of the Royal Air Force, the Last post and the Reveille, the Standard of No 29 Squadron was returned to the Standard Party.
Upon leaving the Abbey, all witnessed a flypast of an Lancaster Bomber performed by the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight.
