Marking the 85th anniversary of the Battle of Britain

Relatives of the Few gathered once again at the Memorial at Capel-le-Ferne to honour the brave men who fought and died in the skies over Britain during the summer and autumn of 1940.

The Battle of Britain Memorial Trust’s annual Memorial Day took place on Sunday 6 July 2025, with this year’s service marking the 85th anniversary of the Battle. The clifftop Memorial, perched above the Channel near Folkestone, offered the perfect setting for this poignant and personal act of remembrance.

Echoing last year’s rain-soaked event, poor weather once again grounded the planned flypast by two Spitfires from the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight. Nonetheless, morale among those in attendance remained high.

This private gathering remains an opportunity for relatives to come together, reflect, and pay their respects to those whose courage and sacrifice helped keep this country free from invasion in its darkest hour.

Guest of Honour at this year’s Memorial Day was Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Sir Richard Knighton KCB, ADC, FREng, who joined a host of distinguished guests and family members in paying tribute to the Few.

The wreath laying at the National Memorial to the Few was led by Jo Holmes, representing the Lord Lieutenant of Kent. It was followed by the much-loved and now traditional reading of Flt Lt William Walker’s poem Our Wall, read by his great-grandchildren, Leo, Zara and Sasha.

The day concluded with a Sunset Ceremony held indoors due to poor weather, performed by the Band of the RAF Regiment - a stirring finale to an event marked by pride, remembrance and gratitude.

The No. 600 (City of London) Squadron, Royal Auxiliary Air Force, was among those on parade, joined by the King’s Colour Squadron and the Kent Wing of the Air Training Corps, whose presence brought colour and ceremonial splendour to this significant occasion.