BATTLE OF BRITAIN

Waikato Times, Volume 132, Issue 22153, 27 September 1943, Page 5

BATTLE OF BRITAIN

VICTORY CELEBRATION THANKSGIVING SERVICES (Official Wireless) (Received Sept. 27, 11.30 a.m.) RUGBY, Sept. 26 Today has been observed as a day of prayer and celebration throughout Britain, in connection with the anniversary of the Battle of Britain. The King and Queen were present at the morning service at St. Paul’s Cathedral. Seated immediately behind Their Majesties at the east end of the nave beneath the great dome were members of the War Cabinet and Government, members of the Diplomatic Corps, representatives of all the armed forces of the United Nations, including veterans of the Battle of Britain, members of the Anti-aircraft Command, Royal Observers Corps, civil defence services, national fire service, police force, naval and military bomb disposal services, workers for the Ministry of Aircraft Production, and representatives of the gas, water, electricity and transport services, including holders of the George Cross and other decorations won for gallantry during air 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 N. Joseph, the King wearing the uniform of an Air Marshal. Courage of Defenders 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 of the Royal Air Force and all men and women who were at their several posts of defence, for the devotion to duty of those who laboured in factories and workshops or who administered to the injured in the homeland.” Londoners were given an opportunity to express appreciation of the winners of the Battle of Britain when airmen, ground crews, anti-aircraft gunners and men and women who made aircraft passed in procession from Wellington Barracks along the Birdcage Walk, Whitehall and Pall Mall.

Officers and men of the Fighter Command, all of whom were engaged in 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 toda„ of the Battle of Britain with an openair service on what used to be the most bombed airfield in the world.