In 1940 following the evacuation from Dunkirk, all that stood between the advancing German army and an invasion of our shores was the Royal Air Force. The Battle of Britain was one of the defining moments of this nation's history.

Each September, The Royal Air Forces Association (RAFA) Battle of Britain Wings Appeal commemorates the heroic sacrifices made by the young men of Fighter Command who withstood the German onslaught during those summer months in 1940. Winston Churchill said of them: "Never in the field of human conflict was so much owed by so many to so few".

Corsham and Chippenham branch members have been collecting on behalf of all those men and women and their dependents who have fought and continue to fight to secure the freedom we enjoy today. The nature of war has changed since World War II but not the nature of need.

RAFA receives no public funding. The money you give to us during Wings Appeal allows us to continue providing welfare, care and support for the whole RAF family when and where it is needed.

This support does not just go to veterans of WWII, but veterans of more recent conflicts such as Korea, The Falklands, Bosnia and the Gulf.

We have a national network of welfare officers working in the community who provide welfare support and advice. Last year volunteers

raised over £5m, this year even more money will be needed.

The cadets of 1304 Chippenham Squadron Air Training Corps deserve a mention for the excellent work assisting with our collection. Thank you to MRG Chippenham who kindly loaned us a Volvo Cabriolet similar to the first prize in our Grand Prize Draw, which we displayed in Emery Gate. Tickets are still available and the draw takes place on November 5. Finally thanks to the branch collectors and to the members of the public who supported our efforts.

P Mosdall

Wings Appeal Organiser

Corsham & Chippenham Branch RAFA