BATTLE OF BRITAIN COMMEMORATION

The Battle of Britain Commemoration held at The Shrine on Sunday 19 September was impressive. Arranged by the Royal Air Force Association, as usual, it included our Odd Bods Association on an official basis for the first time. Several of our members normally turn up for the occasion, as befits our mutual interests and friendships, and under new arrangements we have asked to be included on future occasions.

Instead of the traditional service and ceremony we have held at St Paul's Church, Canterbury for the past 48 years, we opted to join with RAFA. There was a good attendance by Odd Bods; 15 or more were present, most of them with wives or partners.

It was a lovely spring day, with warm sunshine and no wind. The bulk of the veterans present, including a contingent of those from the British Special Forces, gathered at the foot of the steps leading up the avenue to the Shrine, and marched up to parade in front of the Eternal Flame and WW2 monument. The RAAF Central Band led the march very impressively.

The Service was led by The Venerable Archdeacon Stan Moss, and the event was presided over by F/Off Les Smith. A number of wreaths were presented, including one from the Odd Bods, laid by our President, Walter Eacott.

At appropriate times, aircraft from the Point Cook Museum flew overhead, and we were also treated to a fly-past from the Roulettes.

Group Captain David Wilcox was the guest speaker, who presented an inspiring address.

Immediately after the event, those present were invited to attend the dedication of a new plaque to the RAF, not far from our Odd Bods plaque.

All those interested were then treated to afternoon tea in a section of the Shrine extension. The men and ladies of RAFA put on a splendid array of savouries, sandwiches, cakes, tea and coffee, which rounded off the afternoon.