The Mayor of Folkestone & Chair of District Council after laying their wreaths Photo: Ray Duff
By Ray Duff – Folkestone marked the 85th anniversary of the Battle of Britain with a moving ceremony on the Leas, honouring the pilots who defended the nation’s skies.
On Monday, civic dignitaries, Air Training Corps Cadets, and members of the public gathered at the RAF memorial to pay their respects. The service began with a welcome and prayers led by the Reverend Christopher Johnson. The haunting sound of the Last Post, played on a cornet by a Gurkha soldier, preceded a two-minute silence as the Standards were lowered in a tribute to the fallen.
The RAF Memorial, Wreaths laid and Air Cadets alongside the Standards Photo: Ray Duff
Wreaths were laid in a solemn procession, starting with the Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Kent, Major (Rtd) Dennis Bradley BEM, DL. They were followed by the Town Mayor of Folkestone, Cllr Lucy McGirr, and the Chair of Folkestone & Hythe District Council, Cllr Anita Jones. The Royal British Legion, 99 Air Training Cadets, and the Gurkhas also laid wreaths.
The ceremony concluded with the Town Mayor, Cllr Lucy McGirr, reminding everyone of the profound importance of remembering the sacrifices made during the Battle of Britain and throughout World War II.