Battle Of Britain Remembrance Service Held In Hailsham

Wednesday, 23 September 2020 09:05

Councillors, veterans and dignitaries attended a remembrance service at Hailsham War Memorial on Sunday, to commemorate those who took part in the Battle of Britain.

Town Mayor Councillor Paul Holbrook was also present at the ceremony which marked the 80th anniversary of the Battle of Britain and former British fighter pilots’ involvement in fighting attempts by the German Air Force to overcome the RAF during World War Two.

The Battle of Britain was a major air campaign fought in the skies over the UK in 1940, and although the battle took place between July and October, the British Royal Air Force finally gained victory over the Luftwaffe in September - in what was Germany’s largest daylight attack.

The service in Hailsham was held on a reduced scale and there was no parade this year, due to coronavirus restrictions.

Members of the public were not asked to attend, but the service was made available online for people to watch.

Town Mayor Councillor Paul Holbrook said:

“It was a great honour to be part of the Battle of Britain dedication service

"As well as remembering the loss of many brave airmen, we had the opportunity to show our respect to all those other servicemen and women who sacrificed their lives through bravery so that we all may continue to live in freedom.

"Although the service this year was a much smaller and low-key version of what normally takes place, regardless of the pandemic, it was essential that we held a service enabling us to pay our respects to those who fought so hard 80 years ago for our freedom.”

“The service was organised with the safety of those attending and with strict social distancing measures in place."

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