The Battle of Britain Historical Society
The Battle of Britain Historical Society was founded in early
1996 to establish a forum for like-minded enthusiasts to pursue
their interest in this crucial period of our history. Members
receive a monthly magazine 'Scramble'. A very large number of
the surviving Battle of Britain aircrew hold honourary membership.
The Society has recently sponsored the publishing of prints and
books that cover aspects of the Battle.
The Society from the earliest days has had a 'Graves Registration'
department, the purpose of which is to record the last resting
place of all Battle of Britain aircrew regardless of whether
they died during the war or since. It has been discovered that
those graves that have no surviving family or relatives to tend
them can quickly fall into a state of disrepair. Those with a
Commonwealth War Graves Commission headstone are regularly inspected
by that fine organisation but even they can benefit from occasional
weeding and the placing of flowers.
Society members can volunteer to care for those graves in their
own locality although in some cases considerable distances are
travelled and by early 2004 97% of recorded graves were being
cared for in this way. Many members feel that this is the most
meaningful function of the society and is a tangible show of
appreciation for the sacrifices of those to whom we owe so much.
About three years ago the Society launched an initiative to
construct a monument in Central London to all the Allied aircrew
that fought in the Battle. Research had revealed that the names
of every single recipient of the Battle of Britain clasp (a campaign
attachment to the 1939-45 Star) were known and it was an early
requirement that these names should be on view on the monument.
It was also felt that the men and women of the groundcrew, radar
system, aircraft production, rescue services and indeed all other
participants (practically the whole country) should be honoured
too. The location means that millions of British citizens and
foreign visitors will have the opportunity to easily visit the
monument and reflect on the dramatic events that it commemorates.
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