RAF day of remembrance in Batley

The Batley and Birstall branch of the Royal Air Force Association held their annual remembrance of the Battle of Britain.

Residents turned out for the ceremony at Memorial Gardens in Cambridge Street on Sunday September 21.

But branch treasurer Peter Pickles said: “It was very quiet. It’s getting quieter year by year.

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“People seem to have forgotten what the RAF did during the war.”

Wreaths were laid by the branch, the Air Training Corps, British Legion and the Mayor of Kirklees Ken Smith.

One was also placed by RAFA member Charles Walker in dedication to his father Sgt L Walker, who fought throughout the war and was shot down in India, returning on foot to his squadron.

Parade marshall Flt Lt Alan Curtis read out the roll call of the 54 servicemen from the area who died in the battle, which lasted from July to September in 1940.

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Hymns like God Is Our Strength and Refuge were sung and junior members of Air Training Corps set down a wooden cross for each fallen heo.

The remembrance was attended by branch chairman John Barry Parker and acting president Micthell Moxlow, with Rev Deborah Wainwright from Batley central Methodist Church delivering prayers.

The Last Post was played by the Salvation Army and the ceremony ended with the National Anthem.

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