FLYPAST FOR FEW
A flypast was staged yesterday over Westminster Abbey in London to mark the 80th anniversary of the Battle of Britain. Prime Minister Boris Johnson was among the guests at a service which was held in the abbey for the landmark anniversary.
THE Prime Minister paid tribute to “the selfless giving to a greater cause” at a small and intimate service at Westminster Abbey marking the 80th anniversary of the Battle of Britain.
The annual Sunday service usually attracts about 2,200 people to the London landmark as the UK commemorates the first battle in history fought entirely in the air during the Second World War.
This year’s service, which was the abbey’s first since the coronavirus lockdown, saw attendance reduced and social distancing measures in place for 79 guests.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson was among the guests, as well Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer and Marshal of the Royal Air Force Lord Stirrup, representing 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 Vice Marshal John Ellis, who honoured NHS staff and key workers.
He drew comparisons between the Battle of Britain and the coronavirus 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.”
Led by Dr David Hoyle, the Dean of Westminster Abbey, 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 was taken through the church. This was followed by a procession of flags, readings, prayers and music.
There have been sacrifices made, often quiet, often humble. Prime Minister Boris Johnson.