RAF Battle of Britain Memorial Service
FROM THE FEW TO THE MANY
From the Few to the Many is a story of courage widening into consequence:
how the Resilience, Acuity, and Fortitude of the Battle of Britain heroes, during the critical months of July to October 1940, inspired the British nation and its Allies to believe that the seemingly unstoppable Nazi military machine could be beaten. Against slim odds, the tide of war began to turn.
The courage of the few gave the many renewed purpose and resolve, encouraging the nation to endure the pressures, losses, and uncertainty of war with hope and determination. Britain’s demonstration of air superiority in 1940 helped prevent invasion and enabled the country to become a vital base for the Allied fightback. From that foundation, the momentum gathered, leading eventually to D-Day, Operation Overlord, on 6 June 1944.
We welcomed guests of Honour to our 10:00 am service Sunday 20th September.
Katie Lam MP and The Lady Colgrain, Lord Lieutenant of Kent sending her best wishes.
The Worshipful the Mayor of Maidstone, Cllr Brian Clark and the Mayoress, Mrs Clark.
John Perry, Maidstone Borough Council and Staplehurst Parish Council.
Arabella Hastie, Battle of Britain Memorial Trust.
Wg Cdr Alasdair Beaton RAF RAuxAF (Retd.) No.603 (City of Edinburgh) Sqn. RAuxAF Noting the valued bond of Staplehurst with the No.603(City of Edinburgh).
Sqn RAuxAF and Revd Silke Tetzlaff’s Honorary Membership of No.603 (City of Edinburgh) Sqn Association.
Flt Lt Sophia Anderson, No.72 Sqn, currently trains today’s RAF pilots, based at RAF Valley, Anglesey, N. Wales.
Air Cadets of 500 (Headcorn) Sqn with Officers Commanding, Flt Lt Paul Mockridge and Warrant Officer Aron Spice. Noting Revd Silke Tetzlaff as Chaplain to No. 500 (Headcorn) Sqn ATC.
Bernie Pinner BEM, Wing Chaplain for Kent.
Philip Day, filmmaker.
Sheena Smith and Lynn Bolton, speakers.
The Revd Silke Tetzlaff would like to express her sincere thanks to the whole congregation, and to everyone who took part in making our Battle of Britain Service such a dignified and meaningful event.
It was clear throughout the morning that a great deal of care, thought, and preparation had gone into every aspect of the service.
Thank you to those who prepared the church, arranged seating, welcomed our civic guests, the RAF representatives, and the Air Cadets, and ensured that everyone felt at home. Thank you to our readers, musicians, and those who led us in prayer and reflection. Your contributions helped us honour the courage and sacrifice of the Few with the respect and solemnity they deserve.
Thank you.
I am also grateful to all who supported the wreath-laying afterwards, and to those who worked behind the scenes, planning, coordinating, printing, guiding, and smoothing out the many small details that make such a service run well. None of this happens by accident.
Most of all, thank you to the congregation whose presence and participation gave the service its heart. Together we created a moment of remembrance that was both moving and deeply appreciated by all who attended.
Your commitment, kindness, and teamwork made this year’s commemoration truly special.
Thank you, each and every one.
