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RAF marks Battle of Britain Sunday

20 Sep 2021

Their Royal Highnesses walk into Westminster Abbey with The Duke and Very Reverends.

Their Royal Highnesses The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall attended a Service of Thanksgiving and Rededication on Battle of Britain Sunday at Westminster Abbey on Sunday 19th September 2021.

The Battle of Britain, a 112-day battle for control of Britain’s skies between July to October 1940, was the first major battle in history fought entirely in the air, and one which proved to be a dramatic turning point in the Second World War.

Dean holds a flag inside Westminster.

The service was led by the Dean of Westminster, the Very Reverend Dr David Hoyle, while the Address was given by the Venerable (Air Vice-Marshal) John Ellis, Chaplain-in-Chief of the RAF.

Her Royal Highness speaks with personnel.
Her Royal Highness, The Duchess of Cornwall attended the Service of Thanksgiving and Rededication on Battle of Britain Sunday, at Westminster Abbey.

"Once again we come together on Battle of Britain Sunday in this House of Kings and House of Prayer to give thanks for the dedication and heroism of members of the Royal Air Force and the allied air forces in that remarkable struggle for air supremacy over Britain in October 1940.  Their courage marked a turning point in the war, for without their bravery it is hard to see how the Second World War could have been won.

Very Reverend Dr David Hoyle
Dean of Westminster

 

Her Royal Highness sits at a table with others.

Prime Minister walks into Westminster Abbey.
The Prime Minister, Mr Boris Johnson was also in attendance.

"As we reflect today on their gallantry and fortitude, we remember all who have served and still serve in the Royal Air Force.  We honour all who fight in the service of freedom; we express penitence for the suffering and destruction caused by armed conflicts; and we renew our commitment to work for justice, freedom, and decency."

Very Reverend Dr David Hoyle
Dean of Westminster

 

Air Chief Marshal walks with wife towards Westminster Abbey.
The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Sir Mike Wigston was also in attendance, and gave readings at the service.
His Royal Highness sits at a table with Air Chief Marshal Mike Wigston and others.
His Royal Highness, The Prince of Wales attended the Service of Thanksgiving and Rededication on Battle of Britain Sunday, at Westminster Abbey.

Senior Aircraftsman Jessica Williams and Air Chief Marshal Sir Mike Wigston, Chief of the Air Staff, gave readings.  After the service, a Spitfire and a Hurricane from the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight took part in a flypast over the Abbey.

Band perform under flypast over Westminster Abbey.

Their Royal Highnesses and Chief of the Air Staff stand on balcony looking up to flypast.
A Spitfire and a Hurricane from the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight took part in a flypast over the Abbey.