Memorial honours 'The Few' on Battle of Britain Day

Battle of Britain Memorial at Capel-le-FerneImage source, Battle of Britain Memorial
Image caption,

A commemoration will be held at the memorial in Capel-le-Ferne

  • Published

The anniversary of the Battle of Britain has been marked on Sunday at a memorial site in Kent.

The clifftop tribute to 'The Few' at Capel-le-Ferne, near Folkestone, was dedicated to the men who fought in the skies over Kent in the summer of 1940.

A service took place to mark the 84th anniversary at 11:00 BST.

An event organiser said the day was "widely acknowledged as the day on which the tide turned in the defenders' favour".

A memorial wall lists the names of all the aircrew known to have flown with a recognised squadron during the Battle of Britain.

Following the service, renowned historian and author Dilip Sarkar will give a free talk on the "10 surprising things arising from his lifetime of research" on the famous battle.

Image source, Getty Images
Image caption,

15 September marks the 84th anniversary of the Battle of Britain

The Battle of Britain took place from 10 July-31 October 1940.

But on 15 September, 1940, RAF Fighter Command claimed what proved to be a decisive victory over the Nazis.

On that day two massive waves of German attacks were fought off while 60 German and 26 RAF planes were shot down.

Events have been held around the UK to remember the 1,497 pilots and aircrew who died in the famous battle.

An east Kent pub, where some scenes from Battle of Britain film were shot, is holding a commemoration weekend with live music and classic cars.

Proceeds from the event at the Jackdaw Inn, in Denton, will go to the Battle of Britain Museum, Memorial and RAF Benevolent Fund.

Follow BBC Kent on Facebook, external, on X, external, and on Instagram, external. Send your story ideas to southeasttoday@bbc.co.uk, external or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250.