REMEMBERING THE FEW
Dear Editor,
As we mark the 86th anniversary of Battle of Britain Day on 15 September, we remember the courage, sacrifice and resilience of the remarkable generation known as ‘The Few’.
During the summer and autumn of 1940, they fought and won against incredible odds in the skies over southern Britain, helping to defend our nation in one of its darkest hours and secure the freedoms we enjoy today.
Their legacy continues to inspire generations that have followed.
This commemoration carries a deeply personal meaning for me. As a former RAF Sergeant and parachute jumping instructor, I know first-hand the challenges military service can bring. During a routine exercise, my main parachute failed and my reserve became tangled, resulting in a 6,000ft fall that left me paralysed.
With the support of the RAF Benevolent Fund, the RAF’s longest-standing charity, I was able to rebuild my life, regain my independence and find a new purpose. Today, I am proud to serve as an ambassador, helping others understand that support is available when they need it most.
The men and women who fought during the Battle of Britain faced extraordinary pressures and uncertainty. While the nature of military service has changed over the decades, the demands placed on those who serve remain significant. Around the world, members of the RAF continue to deploy and operate wherever they are needed, often at considerable personal cost to them and their families.
That is why it is so important that we continue to honour our commitment to those who serve. No one who has served their country should face life’s challenges alone. Just as the RAF Benevolent Fund was there to support RAF personnel and their families during and after the Second World War, it remains committed today to providing support when need arises and to strengthen the resilience and wellbeing of the RAF Family, enabling individuals, families, and communities to thrive through all stages of life.
The Battle of Britain provides a poignant reminder not only of what was achieved through courage and determination, but also of our responsibility to look after those who have served. It is a responsibility that spans generations and remains as relevant today as it was eighty-six years ago.
If you know anyone who could benefit from the life-changing services the Fund provides, you can find more details at rafbf.org, or you can call on 0300 102 1919.
Yours sincerely,
Bob Greig
RAF veteran and RAF Benevolent Fund Ambassador
Bob Greig picture by Ollie Dixon
Battle of Britain crew picture: MOD Crown Copyright