Remembering The Few and those who kept them in the skies

On September 15, families and serving personnel up and down the country will pause to remember the 84th anniversary of the Battle of Britain.

This year, like all years, we will be remembering the brave service of RAF personnel who were part of the Battle of Britain and the Second World War. The Battle of Britain was a defining moment for the RAF during the Second World War. Using science, originality, and support from across the UK and overseas, the RAF defended the UK from Nazi Germany’s air force, the Luftwaffe. It was the first major battle fought entirely in the air, and Nazi Germany’s first major military defeat.

The pilots, named the Few by Prime Minister of the time Winston Churchill, were vastly outnumbered by the incoming Luftwaffe and their losses were high. Despite this, night after night, they took to the skies above Great Britain.

Paddy Hemingway, the last surviving Battle of Britain pilot, gave his support to the Fund's 2020 campaign. Speaking from his home in Ireland, the 101-year-old said: "The sacrifice of my fellow pilots, ground crews and all who supported the effort during the Second World War should never be forgotten."

Air Vice-Marshal Chris Elliot, Controller of the RAF Benevolent Fund, said: "I'm proud to lead a charity whose mission is to ensure RAF veterans like Paddy live their twilight years in dignity and comfort. We must never forget those who have gone before us, their legacy must be to remember them each year and pay tribute to them."

The second series of our All Station podcast explores the history of the Battle of Britain and its significance during the Second World War, it was shortlisted for an ARIA.