Battle of Britain heroes and NHS staff hailed at annual service
Parallels were drawn between the heroism of The Few and modern-day NHS staff and key workers who face a “fight against an invisible army” at a small and intimate service at Westminster Abbey marking the 80th anniversary of the Battle of Britain.
The annual Sunday service usually attracts around 2,200 people to the London landmark as the UK commemo - rates the first battle in history fought entirely in the air during the Second World War.
This year’ s service saw attendance significantly reduced and social distancing measures in place for 79 invited guests. Prime Minister Boris Johnson was among the guests at the service, as well as Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer and Marshal of the Royal Air Force Lord Stirrup, rep - resenting the Prince of Wales.
Mr Johnson, along with the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Mike Wigston, gave a reading, while an address was given by the Chaplain in Chief, the Venerable Air ViceMarshal John Ellis, who honoured NHS staff and key workers in the “fight against an invisible army”.
The Battle of Britain was a major air campaign fought in the skies over the UK in 1940, and although the battle took place between July and October, 15 September saw the Royal Air Force gain a decisive victory over the Luftwaffe in what was Nazi Germany’s largest daylight attack.
Some 1,120 Luftwaffe aircraft were sent to attack London, but were repelled by just 630 RA F fighters–and two days later Hitler postponed his plans to invade Britain.