In a moving ceremony, those that became known as ‘the few’ were remembered during the Battle of Britain commemorative service at the Air Force Memorial, Torrens Parade Ground in Adelaide recently.
More than 100 attendees from across Adelaide Defence, government, veterans, heritage, aerospace and the broader community came together to commemorate the Commonwealth aircrew who fought in the skies over England in the incredible air campaign that resulted in the first military defeat of Germany in World War 2.
Fought between July and October 1940, the Battle of Britain has become synonymous with defiantly defending one’s nation in the air.
The battle and gallant actions of the aircrew involved was so crucial, it inspired Winston Churchill to famously declare “Never in the field of human conflict was so much owed by so many to so few”.
RAAF base Edinburgh co-hosted the service with the Air Force Association (South Australia), while aviators from 1 Remote Sensor Unit (1RSU) and the Australian Air Force Cadets supported the event.
1RSU provided the catafalque party, master of ceremonies and support staff, and Commanding Officer 1RSU Wing Commander Paul Kemp delivered the keynote address.
Wing Commander Kemp said the Battle of Britain ceremony held significant importance for the radar unit as it stood as a bastion of protection for Australia against threats from northern approaches.
“It is a ceremony where we remember the deeds and sacrifices of ‘the few’ and all those that stood behind them, and also where 1RSU can stand proud in our purpose,” he said.
‘The event is synonymous with the rich history of Air Force and is a valuable moment for us to reflect on the sacrifices made by the few who gave their lives in 1940.’
In his speech, Wing Commander Kemp stressed the importance of the “many in enabling the few”.
“While we note the few, we must also remember the many ground support, maintenance, radar, and command and control personnel who were so critical to the Battle of Britain success,” he said.
“Enduring constant air attack, it is the [ones] on the ground who were the life blood in sustaining the few in the air.”
Australian Air Force Cadets provided a guard of honour, flag orderly, door openers and the reading. Leading Cadet Lucy Sampson recited the poem High Flight.
Leading Aircraftwoman Kaitlin Palmer, a 1RSU personnel capability specialist, provided the Acknowledgement of Country for the service said it was an honour to participate in this year’s Battle of Britain ceremony.
“The event is synonymous with the rich history of Air Force and is a valuable moment for us to reflect on the sacrifices made by the few who gave their lives in 1940,” Leading Aircraftwoman Palmer said.
The Battle of Britain commemorative service is one of three annual major commemorative services conducted in Adelaide by RAAF Base Edinburgh with the Air Force Association using the theme of ‘Then – Now – Always’.
The presence of veterans at the event, including Adelaide’s few remaining WW2 veterans, provided the connection to the ‘Then’, while the presence of current aviators linked the service to the ‘Now’.
Meanwhile, the integration of the Australian Air Force Cadets ensured the ‘Always’, with the next generation of Air Force aviators embracing and being inspired by Air Force’s proud service of the past.
