Sunday 13 September 2020
8.30am Sir Keith Park Memorial Airfield, Ngāti Maru Highway, Thames.
(The programme for the day as per the Sir Keith Park Memorial Airfield Inc Facebook Page:)
Inauguration Service at the Sir Keith Park Memorial at the Airfield
- Speaking at the service was Wing Commander Andy Bryant, RAF, the UK Defence Attaché for the Ministry of Defence at the British High Commission.
- Dedication and blessing performed by unknown Reverend.
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Early Sunday morning, Thamesites and visitors from further afield gathered at the airfield for the dedication of Sir Keith Park's replica Hurricane. The Kerepehi Brass Band provided the music, and playlist included the National Anthem and the Last Post
This plaque, made by A & G Price will be added to the display when the statue arrives.
The area around the replica plane will also be landscaped.
11am Thames War Memorial Civic Centre, Mary Street
- Speakers included RNZAF Air Commodore Walshe, Hon Scott Simpson and Russell Skeet (who read the message from Defence Minister Ron Mark.
- Wreaths were laid at the statue of Sir Keith Park outside the Thames Civic Centre
- A flypast by the Bristol Fighter F.2B in Sir Keith’s WW1 battle colours from NZ Warbirds
MP Scott Simpson.
Several wreaths were laid to commemorate the Battle of Britain 80 years ago.
Left: Wing Commander Andy Bryant, RAF; Right: RNZAF Air Commodore Walshe.
BATTLE OF BRITAIN
For more information on the Battle of Britain 1940, an excellent resource is Papers Past. There are the daily reports from England, along with reports and analysis over the following years. Example below.
OTAGO DAILY TIMES, ISSUE 26270, 30 SEPTEMBER 1946
Conclusion:
The Phrase heard several times today in relation to Sir Keith Park's involvement in the Battle of Britain:
Keith Park standing by his Hurricane OK 1
Source: https://alchetron.com/Keith-Park
