The Few saluted

A grateful nation remembers

THE SIGHT and sound of 40 Spitfires and Hurricanes in the skies to commemorate Battle of Britain Day yesterday was enough to stir the hearts of anyone, irrespective of age.

For those old enough to remember those perilous weeks of 1940, when Britain’s fate hung in the balance and invasion by Hitler’s forces was all too possible, the flypast held a very special resonance.

But for those generations born since then, these 75th anniversary commemorations were hardly less moving. Prince Harry’s enthusiastic attendance at the event was much to be welcomed, as symbolic of those younger generations’ knowledge of, and gratitude to, those who fought and won.

The unbreakable link between this historic bravery and yesterday’s clear demonstration of admiration was emphasised by the presence of 95-yearold Battle of Britain pilot Wing Commander Tom Neil, who led the formation from a two-seat Spitfire.

The epic battle he and his comrades fought is seared into Britain’s psyche because tyranny was lapping at our shores. The freedoms our young people take for granted were hard won, and perhaps it was the realisation that it was men of their own age who fought in the skies above the cities and countryside that made this commemoration so widely appealing across the generations.

Let us never forget that the pilots of that epic battle were very young, overwhelmingly in their early 20s, and upon their shoulders rested an extraordinary responsibility. We must never cease being thankful to them, The Few, for they safeguarded our liberty.