Defence Secretary Wes Streeting has joined members of the military and veterans at a memorial to mark the Battle of Britain and remember “all those who fought for our freedom”.
During the Battle of Britain, which began on August 8 1940, the Royal Air Force (RAF) engaged the German Luftwaffe in daytime air battles, shooting down 18 enemy aircraft while losing two of their own.
A Service of Thanksgiving and Rededication was held at Westminster Abbey in London on Sunday to mark the 86th anniversary of the battle.
Former senior RAF commander and chief of the defence staff Lord Jock Stirrup and Dean of Westminster the Very Rev Dr David Hoyle also attended the service, which took place around the Tomb of the Unknown Warrior and the memorial to former prime minister Winston Churchill.
Flag-bearers marched out and two RAF Typhoon fighter jets flew past the abbey after the memorial.
Mr Streeting said on X: “We must never forget the sacrifice of the 856 Royal Air Force personnel who died during the Battle of Britain.
“We gathered at Westminster Abbey today to commemorate them and all those who fought for our freedom – remembering their courage in defending our nation and our values.”
The RAF described the battle as “a crucial moment for the UK” in the Second World War.
Earlier this week, the term “Battle of Britain” was used by residents of an Oxfordshire village who held a symbolic independence referendum.
Piddington residents voted on Tuesday to secede from the UK and become an independent state, after the Government announced plans to house more than 1,200 male asylum seekers at a nearby former military base.
Speaking after the result was declared on Wednesday, parish chairman Tim McNally said: “Yesterday was the anniversary of the Battle of Britain, and for us, it was the battle for Britain.”