The heroes who shone in Britain’s darkest hour...
THEIR fearless heroics have come to encapsulate a spirit that saved Britain in her darkest hour.
Now, 81 years on, these veteran RAF flyers have banded together for one final mission – to ensure their brothers in arms are never forgotten.
The gathering of heroes comes just days ahead of Battle of Britain Day on Wednesday.
The aerial conflict lasted between July 10 and October 31 in 1940 and paved the way for victory in the Second World War.
This week southern England once more reverberated to the roar of Spitfires and Hurricanes reaching for the skies for the veterans’ gathering.
The unmistakable sound conjured up vivid memories for the band of flyers.
The Covid crisis had forced organisers to cancel the past two Battle of Britain events.
But this coming together of an ever-decreasing select group of men and their flying machines was the largest for many years.
And each proved they had stayed true to the RAF motto: Through struggle to the stars.
Time stood still as they witnessed majestic flypasts of vintage aircraft at the wartime fighter station Biggin Hill, in Kent, in a tearful salute to those who never returned. Among the group was Flight Lt Colin Bell, 100, from Sidcup, south-east London, who joined 608 Squadron and flew Mosquito bombers, successfully completing 50 missions.
He said: “We were blown up over Berlin and dropped both engines. I remember saying to my navigator Doug Redmond, ‘Are you frightened?’ And he replied: ‘No, I’m bloody terrified.’ It later became the name of a book written by his son, Ian.
“I turn 101 in March and I put my longevity down to alcohol, exercise and the love of a few good women – and the odd bad one.”
Immaculately turned out in blazers, regimental ties and proudly wearing their gleaming medals the veterans enjoyed a gala lunch at the event.
Warrant Officer Andy Andrews, 97, from Tonbridge, Kent, signed up with the RAF in 1942 at 17. He flew Halifax bombers, surviving 19 operations until his luck ran out on February 24, 1945.
Escaped
During a mine-laying operation off Denmark. His crew was attacked by a German night fighter causing a huge fire at 18,000ft.
Three, including Andy, bailed out before the plane blew up, killing the remaining four inside and the two who escaped alongside the airman.
He said: “There are so few of us left but most are in a worse condition than me, so I can’t complain.
“There is nothing quite like the noise of a Second World War aircraft, and the smell of oil takes me back. It was wonderful to be among friends again and, if I could, I’d jump in and fly off once more in one of these magnificent aircraft.”
On August 18, 1940, the Luftwaffe launched a series of ferocious strikes to bomb key RAF stations.
The bravery and skill of the aviators who repelled wave upon wave of enemy attacks ended Hitler’s invasion plans.
On what became known as the Hardest Day, the Luftwaffe targeted radar installations and airfields along the south coast but, despite heavily outnumbering the RAF, they were unable to land a decisive blow.
The Luftwaffe flew 850 sorties involving 2,200 airmen, while the RAF responded with 927 sorties involving 600 airmen.A combined 136 aircraft were lost in one day.
Meanwhile, the boys of Bomber Command, most aged under 20, dodged searchlights, exploding shells and Luftwaffe fighters to take the war to Hitler’s Third Reich.
Nearly half the 125,000 airmen who served were killed in action.
The wartime heroics of Wing Commander John Bell, 98, from Storrington, West Sussex, saw him decorated with a Distinguished Flying Cross and The Legion of Honour, the highest French order of merit.
He said: “I was never scared because I had the best view of the terror we were facing, so I thought there was no point worrying about it.
“I am delighted to still be alive, to be able to walk and talk, and be among friends. It was wonderful to be with them again.”
Host Robin Brooks, of the Biggin Hill Heritage Hangar, said: “In 1940, Britain was fighting for her life. I was delighted to host some of those who fought so valiantly during those six long years. It is only right we pay tribute. We must never forget them.”