HEROES from the Battle of Britain were honoured at a service held at Basingstoke War Memorial.

Veterans and cadets were among those at the ceremony commemorating the 75th anniversary of the Battle of Britain.

Members of the Basingstoke branch of the RAF Association, which organised the service, gathered at the memorial at the Civic Offices in London Road, along with cadets of 443 (Basingstoke) Squadron ATC, under their commanding officer Flight Lieutenant Ian Bruce.

They were accompanied by civic leaders and members of the public.

At the service Squadron Leader Sian Ryan, from RAF Odiham, spoke of the 75 years that have passed since the country was saved from Nazi invasion by the “brilliance and courage of the pilots, ground crew and controllers of Fighter Command.”

She said: “There is little doubt that had the Luftwaffe gained air superiority over our skies, they would have attempted to invade us.

“It was the young pilots that put their lives on the line every day to whom we should be most grateful.”

Sqd Ldr Ryan said nearly 3,000 aircrew served with Fighter Command, of whom nearly 600 were from the British Dominions, and occupied European or neutral countries.

Of all these men, 537 were killed during the Battle of Britain, or later died from their wounds.

“We were saved from the Nazi invasion by Fighter Command and today we salute the bravery of the aircrew who gave their lives to defend our country,” said Sqd Ldr Ryan.

RAF Association Chaplain, The Reverend Arthur Botham, who is also vicar of St Gabriel’s in Popley, gave readings and prayers at the service.

Among those laying wreaths at the memorial was Basingstoke and Deane Mayor Councillor Anne Court, The Deputy Lieutenant of Hampshire, Air Vice Marshall (retired) Paul Luker, RAF Association South East and Eastern Area President Air Marshall Sir Roger Austin and Cabinet Member for partnerships Councillor Cathy Osselton.

Members of the Festival of Choirs led by Dai Ogborn and Tadley Concert Brass, led by Paul Chapman, also supported the event.

After the ceremony, in the Mayor’s Parlour, Cllr Court presented gifts on behalf of the borough council to the Basingstoke branch of the Royal Air Force Association.

Accepting these were association chairman Pip Iles and Wing Commander (retired) Bryan Jenkins.

Pleased with the service, Wg Cdr Jenkins said: “It was an important occasion to remember all those who helped win the Battle of Britain.

“It was good to have the opportunity to thank the fantastic young pilots who gave their lives.”