Two of Churchill's "few" to visit Shropshire days before joining HM Queen
Two of Winston Churchill’s “few” brave airmen who took part in the “Battle of Britain” will be making a special visit to Shropshire.
Just days before they commemorate the Battle of Britain at Westminster Abbey with the Queen.
War heroes Squadron Leader Tony Pickering, 92, and Flying Officer Ken Wilkinson, 95, are two of only a handful of Churchill’s “few” still able to travel and tell their story. In just a few days they will commemorate the Battle of Britain at Westminster Abbey with the Queen.
But before their day with Her Majesty the Queen, they will be appearing at an exclusive talk at The Shropshire Golf Club in Muxton, Telford on September 11 from 6pm. The special event has been organised by Telford Business Club.
Terry Le Long, who is ex RAF and chairman of the network club, said it was a very rare chance to hear the two war heroes speak and he expected the event to be a sell-out. All profits raised from the event will go to the RAF Benevolent Fund.
Mr Pickering will recall his memories of being shot down by a German fighter plane and being forced out of his blazing Hurricane at 3,000ft during the conflict in 1940.
After landing in the Guards depot in Caterham in Surrey he will tell how he returned to the skies the following day.
While Mr Wilkinson flew spitfires under the command of fighter legend Sir Douglas Bader, while taking part in the most important encounter fought in the skies over Britain.
Mr Le Long said: “We are expecting people to travel from far and wide to hear the story of these two brave men who literally are two of the ‘few’.
“At their grand old age they are still willing to give up their time to tell their story which is amazing.
“Four days after their talk in Telford they will be commemorating the Battle of Britain at Westminster Abbey with HM the Queen.
“They are only two of about 10 veterans who are physically able to attend the ceremony at the Abbey. This is such an amazing opportunity for the people of Shropshire.”
Mr Le Long said places would be limited and urged people to book early.
Simon Footer MBE, the regional director of the RAF benevolent fund based at RAF Brize Norton, will be travelling to the event. It is hoped he will be joined by veterans from across the region.
The Battle of Britain took place over the skies of Britain from July 10 1940 until September 17 when Hitler postponed “Operation Sealion” the invasion of Britain because he could not get air superiority. Battle of Britain Day is commemorated in the UK on September 15.
Prime Minister Winston Churchill referred to the heroes of the day as the “few”.
Tickets to the talk cost £15 and are open to everyone.
To book a place to hear the war veterans speak on September 11 at The Shropshire Golf Centre, Muxton in Shropshire e-mail rosalind@theshropshire.co.uk or call Ros on (01952) 677800 for payment details.
