RAF Chapel facts for kids
The RAF Chapel is a special place inside Westminster Abbey in London. It's found at the eastern end, within the beautiful Lady Chapel that King Henry VII built. This chapel is dedicated to the brave men of the Royal Air Force (RAF) who lost their lives during the Battle of Britain. This important battle happened between July and October in 1940.
History of the Chapel
During the Battle of Britain in 1940, the chapel was badly damaged by bombs. Its old Tudor glass windows were shattered. You can still see a hole in the stone wall from the bombing, which has been covered with glass to protect it.
In 1943, a man named Mr. N. Viner-Brady suggested creating a memorial for "The Few" – the pilots who fought in the Battle of Britain. The Dean of Westminster, Dean Labilliere, thought a small chapel would be perfect.
Two important RAF leaders, Marshal of the Royal Air Force Lord Trenchard and Air Chief Marshal Sir Hugh Dowding, led a group to raise money. They wanted to furnish the chapel and create a special stained-glass window. This window, known as the Battle of Britain memorial window, was officially revealed by King George VI on July 10, 1947.
Later, the Battle of Britain Roll of Honour was placed in the chapel. This special book lists the names of 1,497 pilots and aircrew who died or were badly wounded during the Battle of Britain. A talented artist named Daisy Alcock wrote out the names beautifully. Captain Bruce Ingram paid for this important book. Every year, it is carried in a parade during the Service of Thanksgiving and Rededication on Battle of Britain Sunday.
The ashes of Lord Trenchard (who died in 1956) and Sir Hugh Dowding (who died in 1970) are buried in the chapel. Other famous RAF officers, like "Bomber" Arthur Harris (who led RAF Bomber Command during much of World War II), are remembered with memorials elsewhere.
A tradition has grown where the remaining Battle of Britain veterans and their families hold a private service in the chapel. They do this before the main Service of Thanksgiving and Rededication on Battle of Britain Sunday.
Annual Service of Thanksgiving
The annual service for Battle of Britain Sunday takes place in Westminster Abbey. It is held on the Sunday that falls on or after Battle of Britain Day (September 15). This service has happened every year since 1943. The very first service was held in St Paul's Cathedral, but since then, it has always been in Westminster Abbey.
The way the service is done has not changed since 1943. The Battle of Britain Roll of Honour is carried through the abbey. In the past, 12 Battle of Britain veterans would escort it. Today, six veterans and six serving Junior Officers from the RAF escort the book.
The RAF Fighter Command Silk Ensign (a special flag) is also carried through the abbey. Serving Junior RAF Officers from a current Battle of Britain squadron carry and escort it. The officer carrying the Ensign always wears the Monypenny Sword. This sword was a gift from the wife of Squadron Leader John Blackwell Sinclair Monypenny, who died in action in 1940.
This service requires tickets and is organized by the Royal Air Force Ceremonial Office. Notices are put in The Times and The Daily Telegraph newspapers in June. People can apply in writing to the RAF Ceremonial Events office at RAF Northolt. This includes former Battle of Britain aircrew, relatives of those who died, past or present members of the RAF, and members of the public.
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