Visitors from overseas joined local people as the Trust once again marked Battle of Britain Day on 15 September with a short Service of Remembrance.
Battle of Britain Day commemorates what was probably the turning point of the aerial conflict in the summer and early autumn of 1940. The Luftwaffe launched a major offensive on 15 Septenber, mainly targeting London, but was soundly repulsed by the Royal Air Force. As a result of the heavy losses suffered that day, Nazi leader Adolf Hitler delayed - and later abandoned - his invasion plans.
This year's Battle of Britain Day service was led as always by The Rev Brian Williams with support from site manager Jules Gomez and Trustee Andy Simpson, both of whom then laid wreaths at the National Memorial to the Few. Those attended also observed a reflective two minute silence.
This year’s event, which was again supported by standard bearers, had a particular poignancy as it happened just a week after the death of Her Majesty The Queen, who opened The Wing in 2015.
Media interest surrounding Her Majesty and her links with Kent meant that a reporter from KMTV and a film crew from BBC South East attended the event, while Radio Kent’s 10am to 2pm show hosted by Steve Ladner was broadcast live from the site, helping to raise awareness of the work of the Trust and of the Memorial.