Sir Keith Park Memorial Airfield, Thames
The 11th of September saw Thames’ Sir Keith Park Memorial Airfield’s 3rd commemoration of Sir Keith Park, “the Defender of London”. Born in Thames the Royal Air Force Commander lead the RAF Group that bore the brunt of the German aerial assault during the Battle of Britain.
Accompanying wreath laying and a Harvard Plane flypast, speeches were made by Thames Mayor Sandra Goudie, Group Captain Mike Cannon - Commanding Officer RNZAF Auckland, Base, Whenuapai and Hon. Scott Simpson, MP for Coromandel. Due to attending the funeral and memorial services for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, His Excellency Dr Richard Davies – Consort to the Governor-General, and RAF Wing Commander Andy Bryant – UK Defence Advisor to the NZ Government, were unable to attend as planned. A moment of silence was held during the event in Her Majesty's honour.
Photos courtesy of Sir Keith Park Memorial Airfield, Thames