Crowds gather to remember heroic RAF pilots

It was the summer of 1940 when hundreds of German bombers cast shadows over Britain when they launched a major offensive to wrest control of the skies from the RAF.

The heroic efforts of both the British pilots and its people eventually forced Germany to abandon its objectives, in what is considered as one of the crucial turning points of the war.

In all, the RAF lost 1,173 planes and 510 pilots in the battle, which it is believed that had they lost would have launched a German invasion of Britain.

On Sunday the 310 branch of the RAF in Leamington organised a service for the battle at the Euston Place war memorial which was attended by the Air Cadets, the chairman of the District Council, the Mayor of Leamington, Cllr Robert Cunliffe and various other dignitaries, as well as a large public turnout.

Cllr Cunliffe said: “It went off excellently. Fortunately it had been arranged that the music from the food festival was off at the right moment.

“It was rather a special service commemorating the pilots arranged by the RAF association, and was rather special for those that have served in the RAF, myself included.

“It is just as important as any service or event which draws attention to the young people of today who have never experienced wartime and the imposition it puts on the general public.

“The general public had to work long hours to support the forces, the whole population was involved.

“The Battle of Britain pilots were the heroes of the day - they faced the enemy head on and were our champions.

“The threat of war is always there and is never too far away and we must make sure it doesn’t happen.”

Flight Lieutenant Nathan Adams of 2438 Bishop Ullathorne Squadron Air Training Corps said: “It’s very appropriate to mark the Battle of Britain.

“This was one of the most crucial battles of the war. It is also important to remember and say thank you to the few who stood up to fight for this country and the free world against seemingly impossible odds.”

There was a fly-past of a Spitfire and a poignant reading of the Kohima Epitaph: “When you go home, tell them of us and say: For your tomorrow, we gave our today.”