We must save this sacred place

I FIND it hugely disappointing and distressing that as we enter the year of the 75th anniversary of the Battle of Britain, we are discussing the possible closure of a beautiful and iconic memorial to fallen British, Commonwealth and Allied pilots and crews.

I also find Anna Soubry’s suggestion, that to continue to fund the chapel would be an ‘inappropriate use of defence resources’, particularly disrespectful to those who sacrificed their lives.

She appears to dismiss the importance of the chapel in an almost flippant way. The use of such a phrase seems pretty thoughtless to me.

I know the chapel intimately from my two years as commandant at Biggin Hill, and I’ve seen the reaction of the people who visit it and who use it as a place of worship. There have been some wonderful services there involving airmen from around the world – St George’s chapel is an international setting for commemoration as well as an active church.

People must think: ‘Crikey, what on earth is going on?’ And for the sake of £50,000?

Churchill said the chapel should be a permanent shrine to the fallen and he was right, in spite of funds being short.

I used to be involved in planning and spent two years juggling massive budgets. It is difficult and people appreciate that. But I would like to know what the current chiefs think of what’s happening to St George’s because I believe its future should be secured.

The MoD minions who suggest these cuts should remember that St George’s is a sacred place of remembrance, and the ashes of fallen airmen have been scattered in its garden.

This place perpetuates the memory of those who sacrificed their lives. The chapel must be protected and preserved – closing it is inconceivable.

I’m visualising the chapel as I speak, and I just can’t imagine anyone closing the door for the final time.