The Battle Of Britain

The branch held a wreath laying service to commemorate 'The Few' who lost their lives during The Battle Of Britain on Monday 15 September 2025.  Thank you to those who joined us at the War Memorial yesterday and afterwards in Henry's Wine Bar to toast those same 'Few'.

The Wreath Laying marked the 85th anniversary of The Battle Of Britain, a major air campaign fought over the United Kingdom during the summer and autumn of 1940. 

The service was led by the Branch Padre, Dudley Shipton with the reading by Branch Committee Member Lydia Dee.  The poem - 'Our Wall' by Battle of Britain Spitfire Pilot - Flt Lt William Walker was read by Sqn Ldr (Retd) John Healey MIH.  Following the poem, the Branch Chairman read the Exhortation, which was followed by the Last Post, the 2-minutes silence, Reveille, the Kohima Epitaph and Winston Churchill's words of acknowledgement to 'The Few'.

NEVER IN THE FIELD OF HUMAN CONFLICT HAS SO MUCH BE OWED BY SO MANY TO SO FEW

Wreaths were laid by the Deputy Mayor of Hythe, Councilor Pauline Curran and the Branch Vice-Chairman Barry Vincer.  The RAF Roundel wreath was laid by Sqn Ldr (Retd) John Healey MIH.

A word of thanks must go to our Standard Bearers Alan Richardson (Branch Standard) and Ethan Bedford (Union Flag) for their fortitude and perseverance in making it through the service on what was an extremely blustery day.