Vice-admiral Arthur Ninian was Dowding's brother, so I am sure he harboured a soft spot and a weather eye for for the navy. And having risen through the ranks of the Royal Artillery and the RFC himself, Hugh would have had a sympathetic understanding of the army too.
The service yesterday was splendid, but a little disappointing with very little political representation and no fly-past, but I suppose it was an off-year. The weather in London was perfect, but probably not at point of take-off. The whole congregation clapped massively and warmly as Paul Farnes was wheeled back down and out of the Abbey.