15
Sept
GALLERY: Ripon commemorates Battle of Britain 85th anniversary
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The Ripon and District Branch of the Royal Air Forces Association marked the 85th anniversary of the Battle of Britain with a service of thanksgiving in Spa Gardens.
Yesterday’s commemoration event was attended by civic dignitaries, military veterans, the cadets from 886 (City of Ripon) Squadron of the Air Training Corps and members of the public.
They gathered to remember those who died for their country and wreaths in memory of the fallen, were laid at the city's war memorial.
Canon Matthew Pollard from Ripon Cathedral led the prayers, after the welcome from Mike Chambers.
Retired Sqadron Leader Mike Chambers, who served in the RAF for 35 years and has recently become president of the Ripon Branch of the Royal British Legion, welcomed the attendees and read out the RAFA dedecation, which says:
In friendship and in service one to another, we are pledged to keep alive the memory of all those who died in the Royal Air Force and in the air forces of the Commonwealth.
In their name we give ourselves to this noble cause. Proudly and thankfully, we will remember them.
Military standards were raised and lowered during the commemoration event.
The civic party at yesterday's event included members of Ripon City Council
Ripon's air cadets were out in force.
Flight Sergeant Keith Wood of RAF Leeming laid a wreath.
As did Mike Chambers
With Ripon City Band away at a competition, musical accompaniment for the hymns was provided by Harrogate Band, which also sounded the Last Post to signal the two-minute silence.
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