Tribute to "The Few"

"The Few", that gallant but comparatively small body of men who cleared the skies over England of the Nazi hordes in 1940, were remerabered in Nelson on the 21st anniversary of the Battle of Britain on September 17. Each branch of the three services was represented at a parade and wreath-laying ceremony as also were former airmen. It was a simple but impressive ceremony which must have recalled for older participants and onlookers stories of "scrambles", dog fights, and the never-ending sorties being flown by dog-tired men in blue. The pictures at left will help recall these stories. At top is a Messerschmidt 109, and below it, that famous aircraft of "The Battle", the beautiful Spitfire, Both were supplied to us by Brian O'Connor.