Battle of Britain Service
The Prince of Wales attended the 75th anniversary Battle of Britain service of thanksgiving and rededication held yesterday in Westminster Abbey.
Her Majesty’s Government was represented by Mr Michael Fallon, MP, Secretary of State for Defence, accompanied by Mrs Fallon.
Ms Nicola Sturgeon, MSP, First Minister of Scotland, was present and the First Minister of Wales was represented by Mr Leighton Andrews, AM, accompanied by Ms A. Beynon.
The Very Rev Dr John Hall, Dean of Westminster, officiated. The Rev Christopher Stoltz, Minor Canon and Precentor, led prayers, assisted by Section Officer Joan Fanshawe, WAAF, Sqn Ldr Rhona Metcalfe, Wg Cdr Anne-Marie Houghton, Officer Cadet Jasmine Holmes, RAF, Officer Cadet Juliette Lewis, RAF and the Ven Andrew Tremlett, Canon in Residence. The lessons were read by Officer Cadet Dominic Howard-Williams, RAF, and Air Chief Marshal Sir Andrew Pulford, Chief of the Air Staff. The Ven Jonathan Chaffey, Chaplain-in-Chief, RAF, gave an address.
The Prince of Wales received a wreath from the Hon Sir Nicholas Soames, MP, and placed it on the Churchill memorial.
The Standard of No 56 Squadron, RAF, was borne by Flt Lt R. Hands, escorted by Flt Lt P. Janssen and Flt Lt J. Cox and was laid upon the High Altar.
Gp Capt J.G. Eaton, Honorary Steward of the Abbey, led the procession of the Battle of Britain Roll of Honour. The Roll was borne by Flt Lt D. Wild, escorted by seven Battle of Britain veterans: Wg Cdr T. Neil, Wg Cdr P. Farnes, Wg Cdr R. Summers, Sqn Ldr T. Pickering, Flt Lt W. Clark and Fg Off K. Wilkinson. The veterans were accompanied by Mr P. Neil, Master Aircrew P. Edwardes, Mr N. Wellum, Mr M. Pickering, Mr R. Clark, Dr R. Summers and Mr P. Cooper. Also escorting were six serving officers of Squadrons that fought in the Battle of Britain: Flt Lt J. Chester, Flt Lt J. Dale, Flt Lt W. Easterbrook, Flt Lt S. Iwanek, Flt Lt J. Guertin and Flt Lt J. Peterson.
Music was played before and after the service by the Central Band of the RAF, conducted by Wg Cdr Duncan Stubbs, Principal Director of Music, RAF Music Services. The choir of Westminster Abbey, conducted by Mr James O’Donnell, Organist and Master of the Choristers, and Mr Daniel Cook, Sub-Organist, also took part. The Lord Mayor of Westminster
locum tenens, Councillor Louise Hyams, accompanied by Mr Harvey Werter, attended.
The Lord Mayor and the Lady Mayoress were represented by Mr Deputy Billy Dove.
Adml Sir George Zambellas, First Sea Lord and Chief of the Naval Staff, and Lady Zambellas, were present.
Members of the Diplomatic Corps, of the Defence Council and the Air Force Board also attended. The congregation also included representatives of many organisations having links with the Battle of Britain.