CIVIC dignitaries and the borough's MPs attended a memorial service to mark the Battle of Britain held in Grays on Sunday (17 September).

It took place at the town's war memorial on the High Street at the junction with Orsett Road.

The service started at 10.30am and featured music from Grays Town Band as well as readings, prayers and tributes to the heroes of WWII.

Among those present at the event, organised by Thurrock RAF Association, were its president, Jim Gooding.

Stiffiord Clays resident Jim, who last week celebrated his 98th birthday, served in the war as a tail gunner on a Lancaster bomber.

He was too young then to take part in the Battle of Britain, which began in May 1940 between the Luftwaffe's bombers and Messerschmitt Bf109s and British Fighter Command's Hawker Hurricanes and Supermarine Spitfires.

Luftwaffe commander Hermann Goering initially believed he would easily sweep the RAF aside in just a few days, but the dogfights dragged on for three and a half long months.

By the time the battle ended in late October, Germany had lost more than 1,700 planes—nearly twice as many as the British.

The outcome prompted one of Prime Minister Winston Churchill's most famous quotes: "Never in the field of human conflict was so much owed by so many to so few."

Mr Gooding didn't sign up until 1944 but still saw active service over occupied Europe and flew on missions connected with the D-Day invasion.

You can read his story in this Thurrock Nub News article.

Sunday's service was led by Methodist preacher and RAF Padre Mrs Maureen McPherson.

Among those who attended were Mayor of Thurrock Cllr Sue Little, Borough MPs Ms Jackie Doyle-Price and Stephen Metcalfe, and Lord Petre of Writtle, KCVO. Thurrock councillors were also in attendance.

View the order of service and event programme online via this link.

Parade Marshall was Warrant Officer Greg Bagshaw, Officer Commanding 1582 (Stanford-le-Hope) Squadron, Air Training Corps. Cadets from the squadron were on parade and took an active part in the commemoration as did members of TS Dragon Sea Cadets and its Marine contingent.

There were representatives from the local branches of the Royal British Legion, Merchant Navy Association and the Far East Veterans Association.

Following the service a reception (and barbecue) was held at the Royal air Force Association Club at 61 Southend Road, Grays.