It was with some trepidation accepted the request of our Chaplain in Chief to read the First Lesson at the Battle of Britain Service at Westminster Abbey. In celebration of the Royal Auxiliary Air Force reaching its 100th birthday in October of this year, the vision of the Chaplain in Chief was to include as many Reservists as possible, so it was an honour to be asked and a request I could not refuse.
The fact that the conversation started with ‘Ange! I have a question, but the answer is going to be ‘yes’’, also had a lot to do with it!
600 Squadron served as a night fighter squadron with great distinction during WWII, sustaining its biggest loss on 10 May 1940 over Rotterdam. Remembering these individuals from my Squadron is quite poignant, particularly during a National Service of remembrance and thanksgiving.
Sunday arrived – there was some nausea, a few palpitations and some over breathing – a reaction I usually reserve just for the fitness test.
Many years ago, when I first attended this Service, I watched in awe as the remaining ‘Few’ filed past me. They were so close I could have reached out and touched history. I treasure this memory. Being in the presence of such greatness is so humbling. As these memories and faces tumbled through my mind, I realised speaking was not such a big deal after all.
I felt immensely proud afterwards, rather bolstered by the acknowledgement and kind words of RAF colleagues around me. Hearing the Lancaster bomber fly overhead at the end of the service lifted me onto a cloud where I remained for at least a week, maybe two.
Sgt Angie Luddington, 600 (City of London) Squadron, Royal Auxiliary Air Force
