Wings Appeal is to take flight

The annual Wings Appeal marks the anniversary of the Battle of Britain.

At this week’s launch, branch chairman Ron Harris said that this year marks the 73rd anniversary of the Battle of Britain.

He said: “Members of the local branch of the RAFA and other volunteers, including staff and cadets of the local Air Training Corps, will be out and about in Battle and the local area seeking the support of members of the public for this year’s Appeal.

“Throughout the UK, especially in September, the RAFA raise funds in local communities to support veterans of the Second World War.

“Wings Week remembers the bravery, and in many cases the ultimate sacrifice, by those members of the RAF involved in the Battle of Britain – popularly known as ‘The Few’.

“In Winston Churchill’s words of tribute “Never in the field of human conflict was so much owed by so many to so few.””

Continuing conflicts, such as in Afghanistan and other commitments, reinforce the need to provide friendship, help and support to serving and ex-serving members of the RAF and their dependents in their time of need.

As part of this year’s Wings Appeal, house to house collections have already begun in the area.

There will be a street collection in Battle on Saturday September 14.

This will be followed by the Battle of Britain Anniversary Church Service which will be held in the Parish Church of St Mary the Virgin, Battle, on Sunday September 15 at 3pm .

This will be followed by a wreath-laying ceremony at the War Memorial in the churchyard.

Ron added: “RAFA receives no direct funding, so relies upon the Wings Appeal to ensure that the RAF Association may continue with its work.

“I urge the public to support the Wings Appeal.”