The 71st anniversary of the Battle of Britain was celebrated in Leamington Spa on Sunday 11th September.

Organised by 310 branch RAFA in Leamington Spa the event was attended by members of the RAFA Leamington Branch, their president Raymond Macdonald MBE the Air cadets from 2438 (Bishop Ullathorne) Squadron, Southam and Warwick Squadrons, the Mayor of Royal Leamington Spa Councillor Alan Wilkinson and other dignitaries.

This memorial service took place at the War memorial in Euston Place. With readings from a Letter of St Paul to the Romans and the Kohima Epitaph, The act of remembrance was noticed during the Last Post.

This Battle of Britain service honoured and commemorated the members of the Air Force who fought and died during the battle and as well as recognizing all the men and woman who continue to serve in the Royal Air Force today.

Commemorating the 71st Anniversary of the Battle of Britain, it is considered to be the most important event in Royal Air Force history.

Historians have described the Battle, which involved almost 3,000 allied aircrew, as the turning point of the Second World War. The victory, described by Sir Winston Churchill as Britain's “finest hour” gave hope to a demoralized Britain and northern Europe. It was the first battle to be won purely by air power.

In all, the RAF lost 1,173 planes and 510 pilots and gunners killed in the Battle.   The Luftwaffe lost 1,733 planes and 3,368 airmen killed or captured.   If the Luftwaffe had succeeded, Britain would have been invaded and conquered.  But the RAF held out, and Britain survived.  

Winston Churchill summed up the effect of the battle and the contribution of Fighter Command with the words, "Never in the field of human conflict was so much owed by so many to so few ". Pilots who fought in the Battle have been known as The Few ever since.

Every year the battle is commemorated around the county and during the 71 st celebration year, the Cadets from 2438 (Bishop Ullathorne) Squadron Air Training Corps were proud to be represented in the event at the Cenotaph in Leamington Spa, standing amongst the standards that were on parade.

Cadet Corporal Andrew Reed from 2438 (Bishop Ullathorne) Squadron Air Training Corps helped out with the passing of the bible and the squadron Banner bearer was Cadet Flight Sergeant Alex Mutton.

During the service a special mention was made to those who lost their lives during the 9/11 attacks.

Pilot Officer Alan Tillman of 2438 (Bishop Ullathorne) Squadron Air Training Corps said “It's very appropriate to mark the Battle of Britain. This was one of the most crucial battles of the war, especially on September 15. It's important for the cadets to remember 'The Few' who stood up to fight for this country.”

The Kohima Epitaph:

“When you go home, tell them of us, and say: “For your tomorrow, we gave our today”.