Boston came together on Sunday 21st September to honour the bravery and sacrifice of those who served during the Battle of Britain, with a special service and commemorative parade through the town centre.
Dignitaries, servicemen, community leaders and residents gathered for the occasion, which began with a service of remembrance at St Botolph’s Church. The service was led by the Rector of the Parish of Boston, Rev’d David Stephenson, who paid tribute to “the courage and determination of all who defended our skies and secured our freedom.”
Among those in attendance were squadron personnel from RAF Coningsby, the 141 Squadron Air Cadets, officials and councillors from Boston Borough Council, representatives from Lincolnshire Police, and the Worshipful Mayor of Boston, Councillor Barrie Pierpoint.
Following the service, servicemen and cadets paraded with pride through Strait Bargate, saluting the Mayor of Boston as residents lined the streets to show their support.
The annual event, held to mark Battle of Britain Day, serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made during the summer of 1940, when the Royal Air Force successfully defended Britain against the German Luftwaffe.
Group Captain Paul O’Grady, Station Commander at RAF Coningsby said: “RAF Coningsby has a historic bond with the people of Boston, they have supported us brilliantly over the years. On Sunday we collectively recognised the sacrifices made by the Royal Air Force during the Battle of Britain, and we are grateful for Boston’s continuing support to the Royal Air Force and to the Station.”
The Worshipful Mayor of Boston, Councillor Barrie Pierpoint said: “The Mayoress and I were delighted to attend St Botolph’s Church for the 85th Battle of Britain Memorial and Rededication Sunday.
“It was a great honour to represent the Borough on such an important occasion. A procession in the town centre after the service where I met RAF Coningsby serving personnel. The town has a great connection to RAF Coningsby having awarded them Freedom of the Borough.
“I thank members of the Council who also attended, the Police Cadets for leading the procession and the many ex-service organisations who were represented on the day.
“It was a very poignant and fitting tribute to honour those who fought and made sacrifices for the freedom we all enjoy today.”
The Battle of Britain, fought between July and October 1940, is remembered as a pivotal moment in the Second World War, with Winston Churchill famously describing the RAF pilots as “The Few” to whom so much was owed.
