RAF Battle of Britain Dinner 2026

Before half term, our RAF Section gathered for its annual Battle of Britain Dinner, a longstanding tradition that commemorates the courage and sacrifice of those who served during that time.

The evening also provided our Year 9 cadets with the opportunity to experience their first formal military-style dinner, helping them develop confidence, etiquette and a deeper appreciation of RAF customs and traditions.

Highlights of the evening included the Loyal Toast, led by Year 11 cadet Marina, grace delivered by Year 12 cadet Laurynas, and an excellent address from our Head of Section, Year 13 cadet Mila, whose speech you can read below. Bringing together cadets from across the section, the dinner was a memorable evening of tradition, camaraderie and remembrance, reflecting the values and spirit of the RAF.

Year 13’s Mila, Head of Section Address

“I’d like to start off by thanking Contingent Commander Garvie and Warrant Officer Stollery for running the CCF seamlessly, I’d also like to thank Mr Cooper for organising our Fridays and for offering excellent hair care tips!

Now, it’s an absolute privilege to welcome you to this evening, as we gather in remembrance and celebration of the Battle of Britain – the first major military campaign fought entirely by air forces, and a pivotal moment in military and European history, that was defined by courage, sacrifice, and unwavering determination.

In the summer of 1940, Britain stood alone in Europe, against overwhelming odds. On 2 July 1940 Hitler had ordered planning to begin for an invasion of Britain – Codenamed Operation ‘Sealion’. Hitler’s expectation was that Britain would seek a peace settlement after Germany’s defeat of France in the June, but Britain was determined to continue fighting. For the invasion to have any chance of success, Hitler recognised the need for German air and naval superiority over the English Channel. A sustained air attack on Britain would open the door for full invasion.

However, standing in Hitler’s way, was a small group of airmen – immortalised by Sir Winston Churchill as ‘The Few’, who rose to the challenge, flying Spitfires and Hurricanes against a far larger enemy force. Their bravery, skill, and resilience resulted in the Luftwaffes’ first defeat of the war and prevented the invasion.

The courage and unity of ‘The Few’, embodied the international spirit, that defended the last stand of European liberty, during what Churchill described as Britain’s darkest hour. But victory was not achieved by pilots alone. Radar operators, ground crew, women of the Auxiliary Territorial Service and Air Transport Auxiliary, and countless civilians all played essential roles; the effort was truly a collective one, a national one.

The Battle of Britain reminds us that freedom is never guaranteed. It must be earned and defended. The example set by those who fought and those who supported them should still inspires us all today; that in the face of adversity, ordinary people can achieve extraordinary things.

As we share this evening together, let us honour those who never returned, and give thanks for all who contributed to this remarkable turning point in history.

And as Churchill famously quoted, “Never in the field of human conflict, was so much owed, by so many, to so few.”“