Battle of Britain memorial 2020: when is the Westminster Abbey service today?
THE Battle of Britain’s 80th anniversary will today be commemorated at Westminster Abbey in the landmark’s first major service since the coronavirus lockdown.
Around 1,120 Luftwaffe aircraft were sent to attack London – but were stopped by 630 RAF fighters in the epic Second World War battle, forcing Adolf Hitler to postpone his plans to invade Britain.
How does the RAF commemorate the Battle of Britain?
The Battle of Britain was one of our finest hours, defeating Nazi Germany in the greatest aerial fights in our history.
Although September 15 is marked annually as Battle of Britain Day, the conflict actually took place from July 10 to October 31, 1940.
Germany was aiming to force Britain to agree to a negotiated peace settlement by sending the Luftwaffe – its air force – to attack Britain.
But on September 15, RAF Fighter Command claimed a decisive victory over the Nazis by fighting off two massive waves of German attacks.
Sixty German fighters and 26 RAF planes were shot down.
The RAF website says: “This year the RAF is commemorating and celebrating those who made this victory possible.
“From the hard work and determination of ‘The Many’, to the courage and sacrifice of ‘The Few’ – the 2,945 RAF aircrew who faced the Luftwaffe from July to October 1940.”
Annually a Westminster Abbey Battle of Britain service takes place on September 20.
Despite the coronavirus pandemic, the service is scheduled to still take place in London.
Battle of Britain schedule 2020
September 14: Imperial War Museum Duxford opens new exhibition
Newly transformed and previously unseen historic second world war rooms at the Imperial War Museum’s Duxford site opened for The Ops Block: Battle of Britain exhibition on Monday, September 14, 2020.
September 15: Southern England Hurricane and Spitfire flyover
Former Red Arrows pilots flew Spitfires and Hurricanes over south east England, visiting the main RAF control centres used during the campaign.
They soared over Tangmere, Kenley, Biggin Hill, Hornchurch, North Weald, Bentley Priory, Debden and Duxford.
September 15: Raising of the flags at The Mall
In London, alternating union and RAF Ensign flags were flown on The Mall, according to the Ministry of Defence.
September 15: Light shows paying tribute to unsung heroes
A lightshow was held at RAF Bawdsey, a former radar station in Suffolk, and RAF Buchan in Aberdeenshire to highlight the achievements of women and other “unsung heroes” during the Battle of Britain.
September 19 – 20: Battle of Britain Air Show at IWM Duxworth (cancelled)
The 80th anniversary Battle of Britain Air Show at Imperial War Museum Duxford over the weekend Saturday, September 19 to Sunday, September 20 was cancelled.
The event was set to include the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, the Red Arrows, and the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight’s Hurricanes, Spitfires and Lancaster in the flying line-up.
WORLD WAR TWO
Its website states: “It is with great sadness that we have taken the decision to cancel the Duxford Battle of Britain Proms and the 80th Anniversary Battle of Britain Air Show 2020.”
It added that they it “would be irresponsible to continue with the event in this rapidly-changing climate”
September 20: Battle of Britain service at Westminister Abbey
The many and the few will be honoured during the annual Battle of Britain memorial service at Westminster Abbey on Sunday, September 20.
The 11am service, to be led by Dr David Hoyle – the Dean of Westminster Abbey, will include an act of remembrance.
The Battle of Britain Roll of Honour bearing the names of 1,497 pilots and aircrew killed or mortally wounded in the battle will be borne through the church.
This will be followed by a procession of flags, readings, prayers and music – with a flypast over Westminster Abbey planned at the end of the service.
Today’s event will see attendance significantly reduced and social-distancing measures in place for around 100 invited guests.
But the abbey has vowed the service will be “reduced in stature but not in spirit”.
Westminster Abbey has held a service of thanksgiving and rededication on Battle of Britain Sunday every year since 1944.