AIR CHIEF MARSHAL SIR FREDERICK ROSIER, GCB, CBE, DSO, (1915-1998)
Former Deputy Commander-in-Chief, Allied Forces Central Europe
Adapted from The Times, London, September 18, 1998
Concludes with the Sixth Anniversary Service of the Battle of Britain
Fred Rosier won his DSO in the Second World War while commanding a Royal Air Force
(RAF) fighter wing in the Western Desert. His citation, which described him as an "outstanding
pilot and leader," made special reference to one incident in late 1941 after Rosier had scrambled
his air crews on a mission to support another unit under attack from a force of Me-109s. On
breaking off the engagement, Rosier saw that one of his aircraft, an Australian Tomahawk, had
been forced to crash-land behind enemy lines. Bringing down his own Hurricane alongside, he
recovered the pilot, squeezed him into his own single cockpit and sat on top of him before trying
to take off again. His efforts were frustrated, however, when a tire burst on the over-loaded
plane.
Regretfully abandoning his few personal possessions, including a prize silver tankard he always
took with him, Rosier grimly set off with his companion at the beginning of a long trek through
enemy territory. They had hardly started out when there appeared a force of Italian infantry in
trucks. A mortified Rosier could only watch from his hiding place as the Italians found and
confiscated his belongings, including the tankard.
After waiting until nightfall they set off again, navigating their way by the stars. For four days
they crossed the desert, dodging columns of German armor, until they heard the (for once)
welcome crash of gunfire. Running towards it, they stumbled with relief into a British Guards
unit.
The story, as told by Rosier, had a happy ending. While on leave in Cairo, he recounted the
tale to a South African major he ran across in a bar. "Hold on," said the South African. Fishing
inside his bag he triumphantly brought out the tankard. His own men had found it in a captured
German tank which had apparently procured it from the Italians in a "swap." Fred Rosier hardly
let it out of his sight for the rest of his life.
In one sense, he was lucky to be alive for the desert campaign. The most serious of a
succession of narrow escapes had happened in 1940, when he was leading a detachment of
Hurricanes from 229 Squadron in support of the British Expeditionary Force in France. Rosier
was shot down in flames at Vitry, near Arras. He bailed out badly burnt and was taken to a
hospital, where he was informed by doctors that he would never fly again. After spending most of
the summer under treatment he proved them wrong and was back in the air in time for the tail-end
of the Battle of Britain. He also escaped serious disfigurement, although he always carried with
him the barely discernible marks of his pilot's goggles - which, while saving his eyes, had burnt
into his face.
Despite his name - thought to reflect a Huguenot ancestry - Frederick Ernest Rosier was
himself a Welshman. The son of an engineer with the old Great Western Railway, he was born in
Wrexham and spent part of his childhood in nearby Corwen. He went to Grove Park School,
Wrexham, where he distinguished himself by playing rugby for North Wales Schoolboys and
performing as a talented violinist in a local youth orchestra.
He seriously considered a career in the police, before opting instead for the RAF and a short
service commission - then a cheaper alternative to the grander means of entry through the RAF
College, Cranwell. After training as a fighter pilot he applied for a permanent commission, only
to be told that he would have to retrain as an engineer. Reluctantly, he moved to the RAF School
of Aeronautical Engineering at Henlow. He was saved, however, a few weeks later by the
outbreak of the war, which immediately posed a need for trained pilots.
After France and the desert, "Rosie" (as some of his contemporaries knew him) returned to
this country in 1943 and took command of a succession of bases, including the fighter station at
Northolt, where he formed a great admiration for his Polish aircrews. He ended the war back on
the Continent as Group Captain (Operations) of 84 Fighter Group.
He went to the United States on an exchange in the late 1940's and on his return began a
steady ascent through the ranks. He chaired the Joint Planning Staff at the Ministry of Defense
under Lord Mountbatten (then Chief of the Defense Staff) and went to Aden in the early 1960s as
Air Officer Commanding the Middle East Air Forces.
Between 1966 and 1968 he was the last Commander-in-Chief of Fighter Command before it
was subsumed by the all-embracing Strike Command, then went to Ankara as Britain's military
representative at the Central Treaty Organization. He moved to his final post as NATO's deputy
Commander-in-Chief of Allied Forces Central Europe, based in The Netherlands, in 1970 and
retired three years later.
He then joined the British Aircraft Corporation (BAC) as a director and military adviser and in
1977 left for Saudi Arabia to take charge of the multi-million pound contract under which BAC
supplied Lightning Fighters and also ran much of the infrastructure of the Saudi Air Force. For
Rosier, who had grown to love the desert, it was an ideal job.
He retired for the second time in 1980, returning to live in the Welsh hills outside Llangollen.
A skilled carpenter, a gift he had inherited from his father, he spent much of his spare time in his
workshop.
But Fred Rosier was still better known for his violin. He carried it with him wherever he went
and played it as often as he could - not always, it has to be said, to an appreciative audience in the
mess. He could literally play it standing on his head, and would sometimes do so as a party piece.
He also worked in retirement for the Polish Airmen's Benevolent Fund and led the appeal to
build a new Polish war memorial at RAF Northolt. Decorated by the Dutch and the Poles after
the war, he was admitted earlier this year to the Polish Order of Merit.
A service of thanksgiving for him was held 14 December 1998 at St. Clement Danes, Strand,
WC2. After the service there was a flyover of four Tornadoes from 43 (F) Squadron, RAF
Leuchars.
Fred Rosier is survived by his wife Hettie, whom he had known since their schooldays in
Wrexham and whom he married in 1939, and by their three sons and a daughter, Mrs. Elisabeth
Carver. Liz and her husband, Chuck, are shown on the right with Frederick William Carver, their grandson -
Sir Fred's great grandson and namesake.
I met Air Chief Marshall Rosier in the 1970's
when he visited the Carvers in Dayton, Ohio. He was a fine gentleman.
POSTSCRIPT
Every tenth year Great Britain especially celebrates the Battle of Britain. The sixtieth anniversary
was particularly important since there will probably be no survivors for the seventieth anniversary. Liz Carver
accompanied her mother, Lady Hettie Rosier, to the year 2000 celebration and sent me the program
shown at the right. Air Commodore Peter Brothers, who participated in the service, autographed it as well.
What follows is the order of the service as outlined in the program:
HISTORICAL NOTE
BATTLE OF BRITAIN SUNDAY commemorates a dramatic turning-point in the history of the Second World
War.
The object of the Germans was to eliminate the Royal Air Force both in the air and on the ground, and to obtain
air superiority in preparation for a seaborne and airborne invasion. Deployed along the French and Belgian coasts,
the Luftwaffe began their first heavy onslaught early in July 1940, directed against British shipping and the
Channel ports. The intention of this first phase of the battle was to engage the Royal Air Force and wear down
its strength. The second phase, from 8 to 18 August, consisted of intensive day operations against coastal radar
stations and fighter airfields. The third phase began after a five-day lull with increased night attacks and attacks
on the fighter airfields in the London area.
The daylight assault on London marked the beginning of the fourth phase which opened on 7 September with
attacks on the docks which, though serious in themselves, brought vital relief to the fighter airfields which had
been under such pressure. This phase lasted most of the month and reached a climax on 15 September, when over
one thousand sorties were flown against the capital in the afternoon and at night. The Luftwaffe lost 56 aircraft.
Throughout October, the fifth and last phase saw the decline of enemy daylight attacks on London and an
increase in the night bombing of Britain's major ports and industrial centres. At the beginning of the battle the
Luftwaffe had 2,790 aircraft to launch against England. Britain had less than 60 fighter squadrons, representing
some 650 aircraft, and the ground staff had to work sometimes 16 hours a day to keep the machines in the air. Between 24 August and 6 September alone, Fighter Command lost
103 pilots killed and 128 seriously wounded, while 366 fighters had been put out of action.
On Sunday 15 September came what Sir Winston Churchill called one of the decisive battles of the war.' In his
immortal words, 'The gratitude of every home in our Island, in our Empire, and indeed throughout the world ...
goes out to the British airmen who, undaunted by odds, unwearied in their constant challenge and mortal danger,
are turning the tide of world war by their prowess and by their devotion. Never in the field of human conflict was
so much owed by so many to so few.' The home base secure, the Royal Air Force could now turn to wider tasks.
The safeguarding of the Atlantic lifeline in co-operation with the Royal Navy; the long fight for Malta, North
Africa and the control of the Mediterranean; the mounting bomber offensive against German cities; the struggle
for air supremacy over North-West Europe without which the Normandy Invasion would have been impossible;
and the support of the invasion campaign itself: all were essential contributions to final victory in Europe. In the
Far East too, most memorably in the appalling conditions of the Burma campaign, the Royal Air Force played
its part. In commemorating the airmen who fought in the Battle of Britain we pay tribute also to all those who in the later years of the war served in all the Allied Forces at sea,
on land and in the air.
On this Sixtieth Anniversary we record our continuing sense of gratitude for what was achieved in the darkest
moments of war, and we rededicate ourselves to strive untiringly for peace, justice and freedom in the world
today.
This service is to be broadcast live by BBC Television and BBC Radio 4. Please ensure that all mobile
telephones and pagers are switched off
The service is sung by the Choir of Westminster Abbey, conducted by James O'Donnell, Organist and
Master of the Choristers.
The organ is played by Andrew Reid, Sub-Organist.
The Ensign of the Royal Air Force paraded at this service is of silk fabric and is known as the Fighter
Command Ensign. It is carefully maintained to take its traditional place at this annual service.
Before the service, the Central Band of the Royal Air Force - conducted by Wing Commander R K Wiffin
BA, FTCL, LRAM, ARCM, RAF, Principal Director of Music, the Royal Air Force, plays:
Homage March - Edvard Grieg (1843-1907) - from Sigurd Jorsalfar op.56
- arranged by Frank Winterbottom
Excerpts from Things to come - Arthur Bliss (1891-1975) -
orchestrated by Dan Godfrey (1868-1939)
Elegy on the Royal Air Force March Past - Barrie Hingley
(b. 1938)
At 10.40 a.m. all stand as the following are borne in procession from the Great West Door:
The Queen's Colour for Royal Air Force College Cranwell.
The Queen's Colour for No 1 School of Technical Training.
The Queen's Colour for the Royal Air Force Regiment.
The Queen's Colour for the Central Flying School.
The Queen's Colour for Royal Air Force Halton.
The Sovereign's Colour for the Royal Auxiliary Air Force.
The Banner for the Air Training Corps.
During the Procession the Central Band of the Royal Air Force plays:
Spitfire Prelude - William Walton (1902-83)
The Central Band of the Royal Air Force plays:
Pavan Sicut Aquilae - Robert Wiffin ~ 1954)-
(Specially composed to mark the 60th Anniversary of the Battle of Britain)
Solemn Melody - Henry Walford Davies (1869-1941) - orchestrated by Denis Wright (1895-1967)
The Lord Mayor of Westminster is received at the Great West Door by the Dean
and Chapter of Westminster and is conducted to his stall in the Quire. All stand,
and then sit.
His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales, is received at the Great West
Door by
the Dean and Chapter of Westminster. All remain seated.
His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, also Representing
Her Majesty The Queen is received at the Great West Door by the Dean and
Chapter of Westminster All stand.
Presentations are made.
ORDER OF SERVICE
All remain standing as the Collegiate Procession, together with Their
Royal Highnesses, moves from the West End of the Abbey to places in the
Quire and Sacrarium.
The Ensign of the Royal Air Force and The Queen's Colour for the Royal Air
Force in the United Kingdom are then borne through the church, presented, and
laid upon the High Altar, during which the Band plays:
Fanfare to the Royal Air Force - R E C Davies (1920-95)
Fanfare for the Queen's Colour - R K Wiffin
Fanfare on the Royal Air Force Call - R F O'Donnell (1885-1961)
Ensign Bearer:
Flight Lieutenant
M R Lea, RAF
Escorts:
Flight Lieutenant T E Owen, RAF
Flight Lieutenant P N Munns, RAF
Colour Bearer:
Flight Lieutenant
M P Cholerton, RAF
Escorts:
Sergeant B Mannion, RAF Sergeant C Mears, RAF
Colour Warrant Officer
Warrant Officer
B Cunningham, RAF
All sing
THE NATIONAL ANTHEM
GOD save our gracious Queen, Long live our noble Queen, God save the
Queen. Send her victorious, Happy and glorious, Long to reign over us: God save the Queen.
Thesaurus Musicus (c 1743) - arranged by Gordon Jacob (1895-1984)
All remain standing. The Very Reverend Dr Wesley Carr, Dean of Westminster, says
THE BIDDING
IN the presence of almighty God we have gathered on this sixtieth anniversary of the
Battle of Britain to give thanks once more for the liberty which that Battle preserved
for us and the world. We remember with gratitude the dedication and heroism of
members of the Royal Air Force and the allied air forces.
We affirm again our determination to put an end to all armed conflicts; we express our
penitence for those occasions when they become necessary; and we acknowledge with
sorrow the suffering and destruction they cause.
We pray for the Royal Air Force, that its power and skill may always be used to
safeguard justice and peace. And we entreat God, that we may hold courageously to
the values we profess, working untiringly in his service here on earth.
All remain standing to sing
THE HYMN
PRAISE, my soul, the King of Heaven; to his feet thy tribute bring.
Ransomed, healed, restored, forgiven, who like me his praise should sing? Praise him! Praise him!
Praise the everlasting King. Praise him for his grace and favour to our fathers in distress;
praise him still the same for ever, slow to chide, and swift to bless. Praise him! Praise him!
Glorious in his faithfulness. Father-like, he tends and spares us; well our feeble frame he knows;
in his hands he gently bears us,
rescues us from all our foes. Praise him! Praise him! Widely as his mercy flows. Angels, help us to
adore him; ye behold him face to face; sun and moon, bow down before him; dwellers all in time and space.
Praise him! Praise him! Praise with us the God of grace.
Praise my soul 436 - H F Lyre (1793-1847)
John Goss (1800-80) Psalm 103
All sit. Air Commodore P M Brothers, CBE, DSO, DFC*, reads from the
Nave Pulpit
ISAIAH 40: 27-31
WHY do you say, 0 Jacob, and speak, 0 Israel, "My way is hidden from the
LORD, and my right is disregarded by my God"? Have you not known?
Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the
ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary; his understanding is
unsearchable. He gives power to the faint, and strengthens the powerless.
Even youths will faint and be weary, and the young will fall exhausted; but
those who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they
shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.
All remain seated. The Choir sings
PSALM 68:1-6, 19-20
LET God arise, and let his enemies be scattered: let them also that hate him flee
before him.
Like as the smoke vanisheth, so shalt thou drive them away: and like as wax
melteth at the fire, so let the ungodly perish at the presence of God.
But let the righteous be glad and rejoice before God: let them also be merry and
joyful.
O sing unto God, and sing praises unto his name: magnify him that rideth upon
the heavens, as it were upon an horse; praise him in his name JAH, and rejoice
before him.
He is a Father of the fatherless, and defendeth the cause of the widows: even God
in his holy habitation.
He is the God that maketh men to be of one mind in an house, and bringeth the
prisoners out of captivity: but letteth the runagates continue in scarceness.
Praised be the Lord daily: even the God who helpeth us, and poureth his benefits
upon us.
He is our God, even the God of whom cometh salvation: God is the Lord, by
whom we escape death.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son: and to the Holy Ghost;
As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be: world without end. Amen.
All remain
seated. Air Chief Marshal Sir Peter Squire, KCB, DFC, AFC, ADC, RAF,
Chief of the Air Staff reads from the Quire Lectern
ST JOHN 15:9-17
As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you; abide in my love. If you keep my
commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father's
commandments and abide in his love. These things I have spoken to you, that my joy
may be in you, and that your joy may be full. This is my commandment, that you love
one another, as I have loved you. Greater love has no man than this, that a man lay
down his life for his friends. You are my friends, if you do what I command you. No
longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing;
but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made
known to you. You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you, that you
should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should abide; so that whatever you ask
the Father in my name, he may give it to you. This I command you, to love one
another.
All remain seated. Flight Lieutenant K A Gambold RAF, reads a personal
reflection from the Nave Pulpit:
AT 500 miles per hour and three miles above the earth, a bomber crosses into hostile
air space. But the enemy knows we are coming and information on scrambling fighters
floods the airwaves.
Two minutes from the target, the first streaks of light flash across the sky and radio
calls "break left break left" send a chill through the cockpit as a carpet of anti-aircraft
fire rises to meet the aircraft. The next few minutes are a blur of flak, detonations and
frantic radio transmissions. Then, just as suddenly as the noise began, an eerie quiet
descends. The aircraft is on its way home, task completed; its crew shaken but intact.
Speed apart, this could easily be the transcript from a bomber sortie in 1940. It is in
fact my own memories of a sortie over Former Yugoslavia during Operation Allied
Force last year.
Today we give thanks for the success of the Royal Air Force in a different battle - The
Battle of Britain. In the summer of 1940 the task facing the Royal Air Force was
clearly stated by Winston Churchill:
"The Battle of France is over. I expect that the Battle of Britain is about to begin. The whole
fury and might of the enemy must be very soon turned upon us. Hitler knows that he will have
to break us in this island or lose the war. If we can stand up to him, all Europe may be free
and the life of the world may move forward into broad sunlit uplands."
Well, the Royal Air Force did stand up to Hitler, and his Luftwaffe, and we
acknowledge the debt owed by this nation and the civilized world to "The Few". Their
victory not only turned the tide of war but also provided a lasting inspiration for
successive generations.
Over the past 60 years the Royal Air Force has continued to provide loyal service, in
peace, in crisis, and in war. While the circumstances of these operations have been very
different from those in 1940, the aircrew have all experienced the same emotions that
warriors have always faced - uncertainty and self doubt, adrenaline and fear, not just
for themselves, but a dread of letting one of their colleagues down.
We, the men and women of today's Royal Air Force continue to meet the challenges
we are set. Behind us lies the commitment that was forged during the "finest hour",
one of comradeship and trust, of self- sacrifice and a sense of pride in the Service and
its role in the defence of Britain and her interests. The spirit then shown by "The Few"
we strive for now, and our successors will seek tomorrow.
You, the veterans of the Second World War, gave us that example. We, the guardians
of freedom today, thank you for it. To that service we rededicate ourselves, on this the
sixtieth anniversary of the Battle of Britain.
All stand. The Battle of Britain Roll of Honour is borne from the Chapel of St
George to the Sacrarium, escorted by veterans of the Battle of Britain, during
which the Band plays:
March Theme from The Battle of Britain - William Walton -
arranged by Barrie Hingley
Honorary Steward:
Group Captain
David Bolton, RAF (Retd
Roll Bearer:
Flight Lieutenant
T J Freeman, RAF
Escorts:
Air Commodore P M Brothers, CBE, DSO, DFC*
Air Chief Marshal Sir Christopher Foxley-Norris GCB, DSO, OBE
Wing Commander P P C Barthropp, DFC, AFC - Group Captain
J Cunningham, CBE, DSO**, DFC*
Wing CommanderT F Neil, DFC*, AFC - Wing CommanderR G B Summers, OBE, Ostj, AFM
Wing Commander I R C Young, AFC - Wing Commander P L Parrott, DFC*, AFC
Flight Lieutenant R Webb-Dicken, RAF - Flight Lieutenant S Rawnsley, RAF
Flight Lieutenant G J Evans, RAF - Flight Lieutenant II Knott, RAF
Flight Lieutenant B Wilson, RAF - Flight Lieutenant I R Dunning, RAF
Flight Lieutenant R S Hooper, RAF - Flight Lieutenant N D Stanton, RAF
All remain standing. The Dean leads
THE PRAYER OF REMEMBRANCE
ALMIGHTY God, into your hands we commend the souls of those who laid down their lives for the
cause of freedom; praying that you would grant them the joys of your eternal kingdom, and,
to all who mourn them, fortitude of spirit and constant faith in the power of your love; through
Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
All sit. The Choir sings
TE DEUM LAUDAMUS IN G
by Ralph Vaughan Williams (1872-1958)
We praise thee, 0 God; we acknowledge thee to be the Lord. All the earth doth worship
thee, the Father everlasting.
To thee all angels cry aloud, the heavens and all the powers therein.
To thee Cherubim and Seraphim continually do cry, Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God of
Sabaoth; Heaven and earth are full of the majesty of thy glory.
The glorious company of the apostles praise thee. The goodly fellowship of the prophets praise
thee.
The noble army of martyrs praise thee.
The holy Church throughout all the world doth acknowledge thee, the Father, of an infinite
majesty;
Thine honourable, true, and only Son, Also the Holy Ghost, the Comforter.
Thou art the King of Glory, 0 Christ; thou art the everlasting Son of the Father.
When thou tookest upon thee to deliver man, thou didst not abhor the Virgin's womb.
When thou hadst overcome the sharpness of death, thou didst open the kingdom of heaven to all
believers.
Thou sittest at the right hand of God, in the glory of the Father.
We believe that thou shalt come to be our Judge.
We therefore pray thee, help thy servants, whom thou hast redeemed with thy precious blood.
Make them to be numbered with thy saints, in glory everlasting. O Lord, save thy people, and
bless thine heritage: govern them and lift them up for ever.
Day by day we magnify thee, and we worship thy Name ever world without end.
Vouchsafe, 0 Lord, to keep us this day without sin: 0 Lord, have mercy upon us, have mercy
upon us.
O Lord, let thy mercy lighten upon us, as our trust is in thee:
0 Lord, in thee have I trusted; let me never be confounded.
All remain seated for
THE SERMON
by
The Right Reverend John Kirkham
Bishop to the Forces
All stand to sing
He would valiant be,'gainst all disaster, let him in constancy follow the master.
there's no discouragement shall make him once relent his first avowed intent to be a pilgrim.
Whoso beset him round with dismal stories, do but themselves confound, his strength the
more is. No foes shall stay his might, though he with giants fight, he will make good his
right be a pilgrim. Since, Lord, thou dost defend us with thy spirit; we know we at the end
shall life inherit. Then, fancies, fly away! I'll not fear what men say, I'll labour night and day
to be a pilgrim.
Monks Gate 212 AMNS - John Bunyan (1628-88)
adapted from an English traditional melody by R Vaughan Williams
All kneel or sit for
THE PRAYERS
The Reverend John Townend, Chaplain and Sacrist of Westminster Abbey, says:
LET us thank God for all his gifts to us; for his creation; for the revelation of his self-giving love in
Jesus Christ; and for every opportunity to serve him, and others, for his sake.
Lord, hear us: Lord, graciously hear us.
LET us thank God for our freedom, recalling with thanksgiving the courage of those who in war
served the cause of liberty; let us remember before God all who gave their lives so that we
might be free.
Lord, hear us: Lord, graciously hear us.
LET us give thanks for the service rendered in peace and in conflict to the peoples of this and other
countries by the Royal Air Force and the Royal Auxiliary Air Force.
Lord, hear us: Lord, graciously hear us.
Jenny Green, OBE, President of the Royal Air Force Widows' Association,
continues:
LET us pray for all who suffer today from exploitation, greed or cruelty; and for those who live
where there is war or the threat of violence.
Lord, hear us: Lord, graciously hear us.
LET us pray for world leaders and for all whose influence affects the course of world events: that
they may act with wisdom, discernment and integrity.
Lord, hear us: Lord, graciously hear us.
LET us pray for all who still bear the marks of war in body, mind or spirit; and for all who assist
them, especially the Royal Air Forces Association, the Royal Air Force Widows' Association,
the War Widows' Association of Great Britain and the Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund.
Lord, hear us: Lord, graciously hear us.
LET us pray for all who serve today in the Royal Air Force and the Forces of the Crown; and let us
remember especially those whose duty places them in danger.
Lord, hear us: Lord, graciously hear us.
The Chaplain and Sacrist continues:
A S we look for the coming of God's kingdom, let us pray in faith and trust:
All say together:
OUR Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy Name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on
earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as
we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us
from evil: For thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen.
All stand to sing
THE HYMN
during which a collection is takenfor the Royal Air Force
Benevolent Fund and the Royal Air Forces Association
ALL my hope on God is founded; he doth
still my trust renew. Me
through change and chance he guideth, only good and only true. God unknown, He alone
Calls my heart to be his own.
God's great goodness aye endureth, deep his wisdom, passing thought: splendour, light and life attend
him, beauty springeth out of naught. Evermore from his store New-born worlds rise and adore.
Daily doth th' Almighty giver bounteous gifts on us bestow; his desire our soul delighteth, pleasure
leads us where we go. Love doth stand at his hand; joy doth wait on his command.
Still from man to God eternal Sacrifice of praise be done, High above all praises praising for the gift
of Christ his Son. Christ doth call One and all: Ye who follow shall not fall.
Michael 333 NEH - Herbert Howells (1892~1983)
All remain standing for
THE ACT OF REDEDICATION
The Dean says:
WErededicate ourselves to building a world
in which there is justice and peace for all, and where
women, men, and children live a life of full human dignity.
All say together:
LORD God our Father, we pledge ourselves to serve you and all people in the cause of
justice and peace, and for the relief of want and suffering. Guide us by your Spirit; give us
wisdom, courage, vision, hope;and keep us faithful to our caring now and always, for the
honour of your name. Amen.
All remain standing The Dean says
THE BLESSING
GOD grant to the living grace; to the departed rest; to the Church, The Queen, the
Commonwealth and all mankind, peace and concord, and to us sinners, eternal life; and
the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, be upon you and
remain with you always. Amen.
All remain standing for
THE CALL OF THE ROYAL AIR FORCE
THE LAST POST
REVEILLE
The Ensign of the Royal Air Force and The Queen's Colour for the Royal Air Force in the
United Kingdom are returned to the Ensign Party and the Colour Party, during which the Band
plays:
Fanfare for the Ensign of the Royal Air Force - Barrie Hingley
The Royal Air Force March Past - Henry Walford Davies and George Dyson (1883-1964)
The processions move from the Quire and Sacrarium.
Music after the service:
Coronation March - Giacomo Meyerbeer (1791-1864) from Le Prophete arranged by Barrie
Hingley
Members of the Congregation
are kindly requested to remain in their seats
until invited to move by the Stewards.
At 12.30 p.m. a Spitfire from the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight from RAF Coningsby will
approach from the Thames and overfly the Abbey. Weather permitting, it is expected that the
Spitfire will make two circuits of the Abbey.
The bells of the Abbey church are rung at 12.30 p. m. by the St Paul's Guild of Ringers.
The Royal Air Force Memorial Chapel, at the far eastern end of the Abbey church, will be
available after the service until 1.00 p. m. for all who wish to visit it.
Acknowledgments
The picture of the Hurricane is courtesy of Stan Stokes. The other pictures are from
Liz Carver.