'A small but poignant and memorable event' - how RAF veterans in Leamington and Warwick marked the 80th anniversary of the Battle of Britain

There was sadly no flypast or crowds to watch on - but the 80th anniversary of the Battle of Britain was still commemorated in Leamington.

Usually the No.310 Leamington Spa, Warwick and District Branch of the Royal Air Forces Association marks the occasion on the Sunday nearest to September 15 with a service in All Saints church.

But unfortunately due to the Covid-19 pandemic this was not possible, so a very much smaller, but no less important, service was held at the War Memorial in Euston Place.

Father Christopher Wilson conducted the short service, with a token number of branch members in attendance, plus Warwick and Leamington MP, Matt Western in attendance (Mr Western's father was in the Royal Air Force),

Stuart Powney, branch chairman of the No.310, Leamington Spa, Warwick and District Branch, RAF Association, said: "With the weather as it was, also playing its part making the small event both poignant and memorable.

"Unfortunately this year there was no Fly Past from the RAF Battle of Britain Flight due to the current circumstances.

"We usually have the benefit of having our long serving Rusty Waughman DFC in attendance, but as he is now 93 years old, he is still shielding from Covid 19, so could not attend."

IMG 0981 shows from left to right, Matt Western MP with his wreath ready for laying; Stuart Powney, branch chairman; David Brown one of the senior members of the branch with the branch wreath; Sqdn. Ldr. (Retired) Patrick Fitzgerald, branch secretary, awaiting the arrival of Father Christopher Wilson to conduct the service.

IMG 0982 shows from left to right, David Brown, Sqdn. Ldr.(Retired) Patrick Fitzgerald, Father Christopher Wilson, Stuart Powney, Matt Western MP.

David Brown laying the RAFA wreath.