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Old 17th Sep 2018, 09:20
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Nugget90
 
Join Date: May 2001
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A Service of Thanksgiving and Rededication on Battle of Britain Sunday 2018

I was privileged once again to be invited to yesterday's Battle of Britain Service in Westminster Abbey insofar as my late father had flown Hurricanes from RAF Hullavington in defence of that station in mid September 1940, chasing after Junkers 88s.

The Abbey was packed, and on this occasion the Standard of No 92 Squadron was borne through the church, presented, and laid upon the High Altar as the Central Band of the Royal Air Force played 'Fanfare to the Royal Air Force'. Air Chief Marshal Sir Richard Johns represented The Prince of Wales and the congregation included many members of all ranks from the RAF as well as representatives from many Commonwealth and allied nations.

In The Bidding, Dr John Hall, Dean of Westminster, said, "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. As we reflect today on their gallantry and fortitude, we remember all who served and still serve in the Royal Air Force. We honour all who flight in the service of freedom; we express penitence for the suffering and destruction caused by armed conflicts; and we renew our commitments to work for justice, freedom, and decency. Today we pray especially for the Royal Air Force and all those who continue to work, often in immense danger, for justice and for peace. We ask for God's guidance that we may hold courageously to the values we profess, that we may indeed do his will, as we say together the prayer that Jesus taught us..."

Later in the Service we called to mind several other parties that contributed to victory in the Battle, and those organisations that then and now support those who have suffered from injuries or who lost their lives whilst serving with the Royal Air Force, and their dependents. We remembered also those who are currently serving in the Middle East, the Gulf, the South Atlantic and other operational environments. As was mentioned above, only one veteran of the Battle was able to accompany the Roll of Honour that contains the names of those who died in the course of the Battle ... 'Lest we forget'. As was fitting, the last hymn we sang before the Service concluded was, 'The Airman's Hymn'.

After the Service, as we emerged into the bright sunshine and out under a cloudless sky, there were high hopes that the flypast would surely take place, but unfortunately it had been cancelled due to excessively high winds.

For those who may not know, The Abbey contains at the far eastern end of the building a Memorial Chapel dedicated to those who took part in the Battle, in which the colourful stained glass windows depict symbols drawn from the Squadron Badges of those units known to have participated under the control of Fighter Command. This is a quiet place, and well suited to enable visitors there to reflect upon sacrifices made by Royal Air Force and allied air force elements in the latter half of 1940 to ensure that in our hour of need our country remained free from invasion and potential subjugation.
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