Veterans unite for annual Battle of Britain service in Climping

St Mary's Church in Climping was the venue for the Littlehampton branch of the Royal Air Force Association's annual Battle of Britain Service.
By The Newsroom
Published 28th Sep 2009, 14:18 BST
Updated 7th Jun 2018, 17:44 BST

The Rev Richard Hayes officiated and branch president Bill Kelsey welcomed guests to the service. These included Arun District Council chairman Cllr Don Ayling and his consort Elspeth McCreadie, Littlehampton town mayor Mark Butler and Rustington Parish Council chairman Sue Lines.

Also there were Littlehampton RAFA branch chairman Peter Grayston, Warrant Officer Bryan Kelsey and Warrant Officer Derek Saunders with cadets from 1087 (Arun Valley) Squadron Air Training Corps, and branch members.

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The Littlehampton branch standard was carried by Jasper Lindfield and the 1087 Squadron standard by Cadet Robert Leonard.

Before the service the standards and cadets lined the church entrance pathway.

During the service there were readings by Bill Kelsey, chairman of the West Sussex Region RAFA, and Pauline Davies, vice-chairman of the Littlehampton branch.

Afterwards the congregation went to the churchyard war memorial for a short service and silence, including the laying of a poppy wreath by Bill Kelsey.

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Related topics:LittlehamptonVeterans