Council marks Battle of Britain anniversary

Horsham District Council's Chairman Cllr Nigel Emery laid a wreath at the War Memorial in Horsham's Carfax on Sunday to mark Battle of Britain Day.

He was accompanied by Carol Tester Vice-Chair of the Horsham Branch of the Royal British Legion and Events Lead and Standard Bearer Ray Collins, members of the Royal Observer Corps Association and representatives for the Crawley and Horsham Armed Forces and Veterans Breakfast Club. The Last Post was played by Chris Taylor of The Sussex Band of the Royal British Legion (Horsham).

The RAF Ensign was flown from Park House.

Battle of Britain Day commemorates the pivotal air campaign won by the Royal Air Force which was instrumental in stopping the invasion of Great Britain in 1940. It was one of the largest aerial engagements in history, both sides suffered heavy losses.

In his address Cllr Emery said:

"Today we give thanks to the men and women of the RAF who served during the Battle of Britain. The brave aircrew who defended our skies and especially the 544 men who died defending our freedoms, and the 312 RAF ground crew including those of the Royal Observer Corps who lost their lives.

"Beside the RAF British airmen, there were pilots from some 13 different nations from the Commonwealth and our European allies, many of whom were killed or injured, to whom we give our thanks.

"We give thanks to all who protected our freedoms in the Battle of Britain"

Every year Horsham District pays its respects to the people who lost their lives in the World War II battle of the skies, as well as armed forces personnel serving today.