St Faith's remembers Battle of Britain

Rotorua 29th Squadron Cadet Sergeant Morgan Knight raises the flag after the service of commemoration. Photo / Stephen Parker

Young and old remembered the sacrifices of a few at a special service of commemoration yesterday.

The usual Sunday service at St Faith's Church in Ohinemutu included a special Rotorua Air Force Association Commemoration Service with readings from members of the association as well as the Air Training Corps.

The service happens every year and this year the theme was the Battle of Britain, which took place 75 years ago. "It's continuity of the tradition and remembrance," said Reverend Tom Poata. "It's a part of small community lives. It was nice to have the ATC participation, it suggests things will go on to that next generation, but the further we get from that event, the less in touch we are."

Jim Comber, who is president of the Rotorua Air Force Association, said aside from the weather the service went "very well". There was supposed to be a parade to the cenotaph at the end of the service but due to rain and the age of some of the members, they moved straight into the church hall.

"It's not the best of weather for some of the older people so we had the Last Post in the hall and then a cup a tea to talk about old times," Mr Comber said. Among the members were several who had served in World War II. The oldest member is John Bond, 99.

"We don't have a big organisation now as a lot of our members have passed away and sadly younger men leaving the forces don't always join.

"We do thank St Faith's very much. We're almost privileged to be part of their service and have the Rev Tom Poata as our chaplain."