The few were remembered on Sunday 16th September as RAF Wittering personnel and the people of historic Stamford commemorated the Battle of Britain.
Image by: Cpl Paul Robertshaw
Trinity Methodist Church in Stamford was the venue for the special service, followed by a wreath laying ceremony at the town’s war memorial on Broad Street. Held in the Royal Air Force’s hundredth year, the event held a special significance for military personnel and townsfolk alike.
Image by: Cpl Paul Robertshaw
The service was led in cooperation by Royal Air Force Chaplain, the Reverend Squadron Leader Stewart Shaw and Rev Andy Fyall, Minister of Trinity Methodist Church. Public figures and officials including the Mayor of Stamford, joined Group Captain Tony Keeling, Station Commander at RAF Wittering and his senior officers.
Image by: Cpl Paul Robertshaw
In his sermon, Reverend Squadron Leader Shaw spoke of all the pilots who took part in the Battle of Britain, including those from Eastern Europe and the Commonwealth. He also asked the congregation to remember some of the values which the RAF uniform embodies; courage, goodness and mercy.
Over thirty Royal Air Force personnel paraded in full dress uniform, and marched from the church to the War Memorial outside the celebrated Browne’s Hospital with musical support from Yarwell and Nassington Band.
Image by: Cpl Paul Robertshaw
The world’s first independent Air Force was born in the heart of battle during WWI, and created for a single purpose – to defend Britain’s skies. This role continues to inspire people from almost every background to join the Royal Air Force.
The Battle of Britain was fought in the skies over Britain during the summer and autumn of 1940 and, over seventy years later it remains the defining engagement in the Royal Air Force’s hundred-year history.
Image by: Cpl Paul Robertshaw
Although flying from forward operating bases, RAF Wittering Squadrons were heavily involved in the Battle of Britain. Additionally, the Station was very active during the Blitz and was the main fighter station for the south-east Midlands.
The bond between RAF Wittering and Stamford is of singular importance to Group Captain Keeling; “Today we commemorate the sacrifices made by The Few, but we also celebrate 100 years of friendship and support from the people of Stamford.”
He continued; “Stamford and its people have been tremendous friends to the Station over the years. On Sunday we recognised not only the sacrifices made by the Royal Air Force during the Battle of Britain, but how Stamford continues to support and encourage RAF Wittering.”
