AIRMEN'S DAY

Auckland Star, Volume LXXIV, Issue 229, 27 September 1943, Page 6

AIRMEN'S DAY

BATTLE OF BRITAIN

King And Queen At Servio In St. Paul's Cathedral

British Official Wireless Rec. 2.30 p.m. RUGBY, Sept. 2f The Battle of Britain has beei observed to-day as a day of praye: and celebration throughout Britain. The King and Queen were presen at the morning service in St. Paul'; Cathedral. Seated immediately behinc Their Majesties at the east end o the nave, beneath the great dome weer members of the War Cabine and Government, members of th< Diplomatic Corps, representatives o: all the Armed Forces of the Unitec Nations, including veterans of th< Battle of Britain, members of th< Anti-Aircraft Command, the Roya Observers Corps, the Civil Defence Services, National Fire Service Police Force, Naval and Military Bomb Disposal Services, workers foi the Ministry of Aircraft, Production and representatives of the Gas Water, Electricity and Transpori Services, including a holder of the George Cross and another decora tion won by gallantry during the aii attacks. Their Majesties were accompanied by Princess Marie Louise and Princess Helena Victoria, and were received at the foot of the steps at the west door of the Cathedral by the Lord Mayor of London, Sir Samuel Joseph. The King was wearing the uniform of an Air Mashall. During the service there was a prayer of thanksgiving "for the courage of all who guarded this land from the peril of invasion, for the endurance and skill of the men oi the Royal Air Force and all men and women who were at their several posts of defence, for the devotion tc duty of those who laboured in factories and workshops or who administered to the injured and homeless." Londoners were giyen the opportunity to express their appreciation of the winners of the Battle of Britain when airmen, ground crews, anti-aircraft gunners and men and women who made the aircraft passed in a procession from Wellington Barracks along the birdcage walk to Whitehall and the Mall. Officers and men of the Fighter Command, all of whom were engaged in the battle, came last in the procession. They were led by pilots with many kills to their credit. The Royal Air Force in Malta also joined in commemoration to-day of the Battle of Britain with an open-air service on what used to be the most bombed airfield in the world.