Battle of Britain remembered as 602 Squadron marks 100 years of service

A service to mark the anniversaries of the Battle of Britain and the founding of 602 Squadron Royal Auxiliary Air Force has been held in Glasgow.

Serving personnel and veterans gathered in the city’s cathedral to celebrate the squadron’s centenary and 85 years since the battle.

A series of commemorations of the pivotal aerial engagement of the Second World War are taking place across the country.

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The Officer Commanding 602 (City of Glasgow) Squadron RAuxAF, Squadron Leader James Martin, said: "Hugely important to mark the sacrifice that our airmen, airwomen and our pilots committed for us back in the day to secure our future and our security today.

"The young airmen and pilots of that day, they weren't to know the significance of the battle.

"And that went on to secure the subsequent allowing of the D-Day landings, assuring we were to secure Britain's shores."

The event also reflected on the 100-year history of the squadron that includes the first successful flight over Mount Everest and shooting down one of the first enemy planes over the UK during the Second World War.

Corporal Ian Murray said: "The history of 602 Squadron is something that is deeply inspirational.

"In some ways it feels to me that we are one of the RAF's best kept secrets."

“When you look at our history, we could lay a claim to be among the illustrious squadrons of the Royal Air Force and it's hugely important for us today that we reflect back on that and mark that with this centennial."