Service remembers Battle of Britain

SERVICE: Sargeant Brandon Kidd (WHS student) reads during the service overseen by Squadron leader and chaplain Roger Black.
PHOTO / Stuart Munro.

Around 80 Whanganui people gathered to remember the anniversary of the Battle of Britain on Sunday.

Squadron leader and RNZAF Ohakea Base chaplain Roger Black led the service at St Peters Church in Gonville to commemorate the 77th anniversary of the WWII battle.

The No 9 (City of Wanganui) Squadron, Air Training Corps assisted with the commemoration service and the day was also a celebration of the squadron's formation in 1941.

In the 1940s, the squadron's focus was to train young pilots to join the Royal New Zealand Air Force.

A number of them were deployed overseas during WWII.

During the 1950s and 60s, the squadron became more youth focused.

In 1971, the Air Training Corps stopped being part of the RNZAF and joined the Sea Cadets and Cadet Corps to form the New Zealand Cadet Forces.

Former squadron leader Charles Quirk said cadets carried the RNZAFA flag, led the readings and took up a collection for the Missing Wingman Trust.

"We had two veterans attend the service," said Mr Quirk."

"It was a privilege to have Ivon Warmington and Jack Wallace who both served with the RAF at the time of the Battle of Britain at this afternoon service.

"It makes it an extra pleasure to have men who were there, who served New Zealand attend the commemoration."

The Wanganui New Zealand Cadet Force Units of TS Calliope and Cadet Corps joined No 9 Squadron for the service along with members of RSA Wanganui.

Earlier this month, the No 9 Squadron drill team won the No 75 Squadron trophy for drill in the central North Island area.

They will compete against the winners of Northern and Southern Air Training Corps Units in the Davy Drill Competition.

By Liz Wylie
Wanganui Chronicle 19/9/17