80th anniversary of Battle of Britain Day commemorated with special display in Suffolk
A special tribute has been paid to all those who contributed to the victory of the Battle of Britain.
The former radar site at Bawdsey transmitter block was the centre of a poignant light show to mark the anniversary.
Leading the national tribute was the RAF Benevolent Fund, who wanted to shine a light on everyone who played a key role in the battle.
While it was The Few who took to the skies to protect Britain from the Luftwaffe, it was those on the ground who worked to support them.
Air Vice-Marshal Chris Elliot, CEO of the RAF Benevolent Fund, said: "We often talk of ‘The Few’, the fighter pilots who took to the skies during the Battle of Britain.
"Their contribution was exceptional and it is important we remember them and their experiences. What we don’t reflect on enough, within the Battle of Britain story, are the lives and experiences of those who were involved on the ground during the battle.
"Particularly, the women who were behind the scenes, as radar operatives, filter room attendants serving in the Women's Auxiliary Air Force or members of the Royal Observer Corps."
The site at Bawdsey was the first fully operational aircraft radar station in the world, and has been used to mark the anniversary by shining the light on the Women's Auxiliary Air Force who worked on radar during the Second World War.
Radar stations played a vital role, providing invaluable intelligence on incoming raids by the Luftwaffe, which had nearly twice as many aircraft as the RAF.
The last surviving member of The Few, pilot John 'Paddy' Hemingway, spoke highly of the use of radar.
He said: "In reality, the system worked so well that the time from a blip on the radar to a squadron in the air to meet it was six minutes, and the climb rates of the Hurricanes and Spitfires put the fighters at 15,000 feet within six minutes of leaving the ground.
"Time was a crucial factor in the battle. The ability to get to fighting altitude - 10,000 to 15,000 feet, usually - proved critical, and the aid of radar early warning would prove to be one of the vital British advantages in the battle."
John, who's now 101, continued: "There is no doubt in my mind we should applaud all those who fought during those difficult months, not just the pilots.
"The RAF was the most sophisticated air force in the world at that time and we would not have prevailed unless everyone were true professionals and played their part."
The RAF Benevolent Fund supports existing and former members of the RAF and their family.
If you know of any RAF veterans in need, refer them to the charity's website or by calling 0300 102 1919.