Battle of Britain remembered

This Sunday the efforts of the air force will be remembered at a special service. Among those on parade will be Bill Groves, (left), Jim Comber and Dave Daniel, all members of the Rotorua Air Force Association. Photo / Ben Fraser

The 75th anniversary of the Battle of Britain will be remembered at a special service this Sunday.

Every September the airmen and airwomen who have served in the Commonwealth and allied air forces are remembered. The service is also to commemorate those who lost their lives.

Among those who will be remembering the fallen will be Dave Daniel and Bill Groves, both 89, who both served in the New Zealand Royal Air Force in World War II.

They were both stationed in the Pacific and so didn't get to experience the Battle of Britain, though they know of many who were there.

They will be with members of the Rotorua Air Force Association at St Faith's in Ohinemutu.

Among the Battle of Britain victims were 20 New Zealand airmen.

"It is an important day to remember that sacrifice they made in this crucial battle of World War II," said association president Jim Comber.

"The Royal Air Force recognises the 135 New Zealand fighter command aircrew who served in the Battle of Britain - 20 New Zealand airmen lost their lives."

The Battle of Britain was the first decisive battle in history that was fought entirely in the air. From July 10 to October 31, 1940, the German Luftwaffe fought British air defences.

New Zealand pilots supplied the third highest number of pilots during the Battle of Britain, behind the United Kingdom and Poland.

It was also important to rememberthe many others involved, said Mr Daniel.

"There's almost a fallacy about the air force," he said.

"People ask: what did we fly? But to service a plane took up to 10 people. One in 10 were air crew."

Mr Groves was 17 when he joined the air force and Mr Daniel was 18.

"I find I think about the war more now in the last few years than I've ever done," Mr Groves said.

"Getting old, I suppose."

Service of Commemoration

* Sunday, September 20, 9am
* St Faith's Church, Ohinemutu
* Parade to the cenotaph after service
* All welcome