City plans to host Battle of Britain memorial to remember ‘The Few’

Work on the memorial, at the South Yorkshire Aircraft Museum in Dakota Way, will begin at the end of the year.

Organised by the Battle of Britain Historical Society, the monument will be the second of five such memorials planned for various sites around Britain.

Bill Bond, who thought up the project, said: “The Battle of Britain was a pivotal air battle that changed the course of world history, and as such should be remembered and celebrated throughout the land.

“Sadly, though, as the memory dims so does the interest but, far more alarmingly, children are growing up totally ignorant about the debt owed to the few.

“If lessons are not learnt from history then mistakes of yesteryear can easily be repeated.

“It is our society’s intention to invite schools to send parties of children to see the monument and learn of the incredible exploits of the young men of the RAF.”

A campaign to raise the £600,000 needed for the monument is now underway.

Peter Davies, mayor of Doncaster, said the monument would be a “great honour” for the town and added: “The borough has a very rich aviation heritage.”

Those making a donation towards the monument will have their names entered into a tribute book at the site.

Cheques made payable to the Battle of Britain Historical Society can be sent to Mr Bond at Gunthorpe, Melton Constable, Norfolk, NR24 2NS.