A BATTLE of Britain service and laying of wreaths, organised by North Weald Bassett Parish Council, was held at the Cross of Sacrifice at St Andrew’s Church. North Weald.

The service was taken by the chairman of North Weald Bassett Parish Council councillor Alan Buckley.

Civic wreaths were laid on by Epping Forest District Council vice-chairman councillor Louise Mead, councillor Chris Whitbread (representing Essex County Council), councillor Alan Buckley (on behalf of the parish council), and Epping Town Mayor councillor Cherry McCredie, on behalf of Epping Town Council.

Wreaths were also laid for the RAF 56 Squadron – which was based at North Weald Airfield during the war – Royal Norwegian Air Force 132 Air Wing, the Royal British Legion, Royal Air Force Association, ATC 414 Squadron, North Weald Airfield Museum and the North Weald Bassett community.
 
Councillor Buckley said: “Battle of Britain Sunday commemorates the victory won by the Royal Air Force which saved Britain from invasion in 1940.

“The German objective was to eliminate the RAF both in the air and on the ground. The first daylight assault on London was made on the 7th of September. The battle reached a climax on the 15th of September where the Luftwaffe flew more than 1,000 sorties over England during daylight hours.

“It was, in Sir Winston Churchill’s words, one of the decisive battles of the war.

“The gratitude of every home in our island, in our Empire and indeed throughout the world, goes out to the British Airmen who, undaunted by the odds, unwearied by their constant challenge and mortal danger, turned the tide of world war by their prowess and by their devotion.”