REACTIONS OF THE BATTLE OF BRITAIN SURVIVOR PILOTS ON FIRST SEEING PAUL DAY'S MONUMENT

Wing Commander Robert Foster DFC, Aged 84
"It's so remarkable. It's different to any other monument I've ever seen. The great thing about it is that it's not just us, it's got everyone in it ­ air raid warden, nurses, everyone who suffered night after night. We were at the sharp end of the thing, but they took the brunt of it."

Squadron Leader Graham Leggett, Aged 83
"It's unbelievable, quite fantastic. The workmanship, the devotion, the attention to detail is quite extraordinary. Seeing those panels with all the names of people one once knew, it's very emotional."

Squadron Leader "Bam" Bamberger, Aged 85
"It's fantastic. It's almost surreal really, to have a monument put up for something you were involved with 65 years ago. It's incredible. Usually monuments go up many years after the people have died but seeing this I think my children and grand-children will be very proud of me."

"I was proud to be able to show these Battle veterans the progress we have made on the monument. Their reaction was so positive and confirms our decision to create this memorial. The reaction of both television and the press is most encouraging and I am sure it will intensify as we approach the unveiling in September 2005"

Rt Hon The Lord Tebbit CH