LONDON MONUMENT – EVENTS IN 2009

19 October 2009 - S/Ldr. Moreton Pinfold passes away - later Group Captain, Herbert Moreton Pinfold commanded 56 Squadron during the Battle.

10 October 2009 - F/O Jack Rose passes away - later Wing Commander Rose CMG MBE DFC, he flew with 3, 232 and 32 Squadrons in the Battle.

8 August 2009 - F/Lt. C J 'Jack' Riddle passes away - the last survivor of the Battle-era airmen of 601 (County of London) Squadron, Auxiliary Air Force. This unit was known pre-war as the 'Millionaires Mob' as its personnel were then drawn from the upper reaches of society. Much of our current knowledge of the squadron comes from Jack's recollections. He supported the monument from its inception and was the driving force behind a memorial to his close friend from 601, Billy Fiske. He always had time for the numerous enthusiasts who beat a path to his door and was immensely popular. For more about his life click here

4 June 2009 - Wing Commander KW Mackenzie DFC AFC AE passes away - Ken was a real friend to the Monument and an unforgettable character. To see his Daily Telegraph obituary click here

29 May 2009 - a 'new' Battle of Britain airman is discovered. P/O Charles Alexander Ogilvy flew with 610 Squadron during the Battle but inexplicably vanished from all official and unofficial records for this period. His family only discovered his Battle service recently on examining his medals and logbooks. Regrettably the cast-bronze name panels cannot now be altered. For the full story click here

22 May 2009 - a permanent statue of Sir Keith Park, who commanded 11 Group Fighter Command in the Battle, will be installed at Waterloo Place in London next year (2010) to mark the 70th anniversary of the Battle of Britain while a larger version of the same statue will be placed on the vacant fourth plinth in Trafalgar Square for a period of six months. To see the campaign website click here

13 May 2009 - a memorial sculpture to mark the tenure of 601 (County of London) Squadron, Auxiliary Air Force at RAF Hendon pre-WW2 is unveiled at the RAF Museum. Full story here

10 May 2009 - this year's Lord Dowding Commemorative Service will be held on Sunday 13th September at 2:30pm in Station Park, Moffat, Scotland. Further information from the Secretary, Jean Purves at -   merecleuch93@btinternet.com

March 2009 - 'Spitfire Paddy' - a rose named after an Irish Battle of Britain pilot. We hear of a unique commemoration of Brendan 'Paddy' Finucane, who flew with 65 Squadron during the Battle of Britain and continued in action with the RAF until he was declared 'Missing' over the Channel on 15th July 1942. For a full account click here