On Sunday, 15th September 2024, the Annual Battle of  Britain Service of Thanksgiving and Rededication was held at Westminster Abbey. The  Royal Auxiliary Air Force featured prominently in the Service, not only because the Force is celebrating its Centenary this year, but also because its personnel played such a major role in determining the Battle’s successful outcome. Indeed, the Force provided 14 of the 16 squadrons engaged in the Battle and was responsible for destroying 30% of the enemy’s aircraft. 174 of the 3,000 aircrew that took part  were Auxiliaries, and 26 were killed in action.

A few Auxiliaries participated in the Service, whilst a significant number of serving and retired members of the Force were in the congregation.

 

The Royal Auxiliary Air Force media report on the Service at the Abbey reads:

Royal Air Force marks 84th anniversary of Battle of Britain

A service of thanksgiving and rededication was held today to mark the 84^th anniversary of the Battle of Britain, one of the most crucial battles of World War II.

The battle was the first decisive battle in history fought entirely in the air, lasting over three months, finally coming to an end on 31 October 2024. The service has taken place annually on the 15th September, the date chosen as Battle of Britain Day, since appointed by His Majesty King George VI back in 1943. The day recognises the momentous point in the fighting when the Luftwaffe launched its heaviest bombing raids on London. Fighter Command responded to the attacks with success, resulting in heavy Luftwaffe losses.

The service took place at Westminster Abbey which has been the location for the commemoration since 1944. The battle continues to be commemorated over eighty years on to honour the hard work and determination of “the many” and the courage and sacrifice of “the few.”

Before the service started wreaths were laid at the RAF Memorial by serving personnel from New Zealand, Canada, Australia, South Africa and representatives from The Royal Air Force Association and the RAF Benevolent Fund.

The service commenced with the congregation singing the National Anthem before the Dean of Westminster, the Very Reverend Dr David Hoyle, delivered his briefing saying:

“In this Abbey church, where our nation so often gathers to remember, to celebrate and to mourn, we give thanks for the dedication and daring of members of the Royal Air Force and allied air forces during the Battle of Britain. Their sure courage halted the advance of a terrible tyranny. They held fast in days of greatest danger. For their resilience and their skill we give thanks, for their pain and loss we grieve. Once again, we commit ourselves to the duty of an honest remembrance.”

At the start of the service the Standard of No. 41 Squadron of the Royal Air Force was borne through the church, presented, and laid upon the High Altar by Flt Lt Phil Kelly escorted by Flt Lt Christopher Doherty and Flt Lt Jack Leonard as the RAF band played the Fanfare to the Royal Air Force.

Sergeant Angela Luddington, a reservist, read the first Reading by Isaiah 58: 6-12 followed by the choir singing the Psalm.

Speaking from the lectern at the altar, Air Chief Marshal, Sir Richard Knighton, Chief of the Air Staff, read the second Reading from 1 Corinthians12: 4-11.

The service included an Act of Remembrance during which the Battle of Britain Roll of Honour was borne from the Grave of the Unknown Warrior to the Sacrarium by Flt Lt Jonathan Taylor, escorted by serving descendants of Battle of Britain Airmen, serving Royal Air Force Aircrew from former Battle of Britain Squadrons, and a contingent of Royal Air Force Cadets.

Special guests included, The Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and Marshal of the Royal Air Force The Lord Stirrup representing His Majesty The King.

Finally, the Dean read the Act of Rededication saying: “let us rededicate ourselves to building a world where there is justice and peace for all, and where each may live with full human dignity.”

Upon leaving the Abbey, the congregation witnessed a fly-past of an Avro Lancaster bomber performed by the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight.

The anniversary is particularly poignant this year as the Royal Auxiliary Air Force mark their centenary. A quarter of the Squadrons in the Battle of Britain were Auxiliary Air Force Squadrons who accounted for a third of the combat victories.

Reservists from several Royal Auxiliary Air Force Squadrons were seated in the congregation or played an active role during the service today.

The Venerable Dr (Air Vice Marshal) Giles Legood Chaplain-in-Chief of the Royal Air Force recognised the importance of reservists in his address saying; “the dedication, time and skills of reservists is crucial. Their contribution was vital then and still is today as they give their spare time to train as aviators.”