SALUTE TO OUR HEROES
SERVICE ‘FOR BATTLE OF BRITAIN ACES AND COVID KEY WORKERS’
THEY gave their lives to save the nation from Nazi tyranny during the Battle of Britain.
And yesterday, 80 years on, the heroes of World War II were again remembered alongside the NHS staff and key workers who have been fighting against a modern day invisible foe – coronavirus.
The annual Battle of Britain Sunday service is held at Westminster Abbey and commemorates the Royal Air Force’s first major victory against the Luftwaffe on September 15, 1940.
Some 1,120 German aircraft were sent to attack London but were repelled by just 630 RAF fighters – and two days later Hitler postponed his plans to invade Britain.
The service usually attracts around 2,200 people but, due to social distancing, just 79 invited guests – all wearing masks – were allowed inside.
Prime minister Boris Johnson and Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer were among those paying tribute, along with Marshal of the Royal Air Force Lord Stirrup, representing the Prince of Wales, and Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Mike Wigston.
Chaplain in Chief, the Venerable Air Vice Marshal John Ellis honoured NHS staff and key workers in the ‘fight against an invisible army’.
He drew comparisons between the Battle of Britain and the virus pandemic, saying: ‘Once again there have been sacrifices made, often quiet, often humble, unnoticed by many. ‘Although starkly different events, each of them has two things that are so important for our humanity, service and value. We have seen the selfless giving to a greater cause.’
The service included an act of remembrance, during which the Battle of Britain Roll of Honour bearing the names of 1,497 pilots and aircrew killed or mortally wounded in the fighting was borne through the church.
It was followed by a fly-past of three Spitfires and a Hurricane.