John Baron MP commemorates 70th anniversary of Battle of Britain in Parliament

John with Battle of Britain veteran Wing Commander Bob Foster and Air Marshall Tim Anderson CB DSO MA FRAeS RAF (Director General Military Aviation Authority). Photograph was taken at the parliamentary reception.

John Baron expressed his heartfelt thanks to the RAF – past and present – on the occasion of the 70^th anniversary of the Battle of Britain at a recent reception held in Parliament. John attended the cross-party event in Parliament as part of the RAF Benevolent Fund’s nationwide campaign encouraging people to mark the anniversary of the Battle of Britain by expressing their appreciation to members of the RAF.  The ‘Heartfelt Thanks’ campaign gives people the opportunity to write their own personal message of thanks to those who have served and continue to serve in the RAF at www.rafbf.org/thanks – John has sent his message of thanks.  John had his photograph taken with (), a battle of Britain Hurricane pilot (see attached). 

John said:

 “On behalf of my constituents, I was delighted to say thank you in person to ‘the Few’ and to those who are currently serving in the RAF.  It was a privilege to have met them.  We owe these men and women an enormous debt of gratitude.”

TV presenter Lorraine Kelly helped to launch the campaign:

“I think the RAF Benevolent Fund’s ‘Heartfelt Thanks’ campaign is a really great way for everyone to get involved and show their support for all the men and women who serve in the Air Force by saying a big thank you!”

RAFBF Controller Air Marshal Sir Robert Wright explains the importance of recognising the role of the RAF:

“The RAF Benevolent Fund’s job is to repay the debt of gratitude we owe to those who fought for our freedom in 1940, and all those who’ve served since, including those serving today.  We do this by providing tangible support to all members of the RAF family – past, present and future.  The Battle of Britain may have happened 70 years ago, but ongoing operations including those in Afghanistan mean that many of those currently serving will need practical and financial support for themselves and their families for the next 70 years and beyond.”

The messages of thanks gathered throughout the summer will be presented to veterans in September as part of the celebrations to mark the anniversary of the Battle of Britain.

To leave your own message of thanks to members of the RAF, past and present, visit www.rafbf.org/thanks .