Small service at Little Bowden to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the Battle of Britain

Geoffrey Moth chairman of the Royal Air Forces Association lays a wreath during the Battle of Britain day at St Nicholas Church in Little Bowden.
PICTURE: ANDREW CARPENTER — Geoffrey Moth chairman of the Royal Air Forces Association lays a wreath during the Battle of Britain day at St Nicholas Church in Little Bowden. PICTURE: ANDREW CARPENTER

A small wreath laying ceremony was held yesterday (Sunday) to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the Battle of Britain.

A few people gathered at St Nicholas Church in Little Bowden at 11am on Sunday to pay their respects.

Normally, there would be a full service but Covid-19 restrictions meant that was not possible.

The RAFA Royal Air Forces Association Market Harborough had hoped to hold an outdoor service instead - but the new restrictions meant that had to be changed to a service of just six people, conducted by Rev Alison Ilffe.

Chairman Geoffrey Moth laid a wreath before a two minutes silence.

At the church, there is a stained glass window in memory of a RAF pilot William Fredrick Barber aged 25 who was born in Market Harborough.

He died during a training exercise in Yorkshire.

The RAFA would like anyone with any more information about the pilot to come forward so they can help remember him at future services.