The recent passing of the last of the 2,900 pilots known affectionately as “The Few”, at the remarkable age of 105, should give us all pause for reflection. These brave individuals handed Nazi Germany its first defeat during the pivotal Battle of Britain. It is no exaggeration to say their courage and sacrifice did more than just save Britain; they changed the course of world history.

Had Britain fallen, Hitler would have been free to unleash the full might of his war machine against Soviet Russia, inevitably leading to its defeat. With the immense resources of Eurasia under German control, even the United States would have found itself powerless against an advanced enemy armed with weapons such as the feared V2 rockets. Winston Churchill famously warned of a “New Dark Age” descending upon humanity, a chilling prospect narrowly avoided thanks to “The Few”.

Twenty years ago, inspired by the heroism and selflessness displayed by these young pilots, I penned my own tribute to honour their memory and courage. My poem, “Salute to the Few,” is now proudly displayed at the Battle of Britain Museum. At this solemn moment, I would like to share it with you as a heartfelt reminder of their extraordinary bravery and sacrifice.

Salute to The Few

You were young and you were brave;
You a nation had to save.
Scrambled from your aerodrome,
Test those skills so freshly honed.
Whirling in your fighter high,
Fought your duels across the sky.
Like the famous knights of old,
You were fearless, keen and bold.
Never did a fate so grim
Threaten all with mortal sin.
Never did so very few
Save so great a multitude.
Spurn a deal that would have saved
All that men of empire made.
Chose the path of blood and debt;
Know that honour’s fully met.
Far beyond your nation’s shores,
All humanity took pause.
For it knew that you alone
Could for misspent time atone.
Be the first to best the Hun;
Yours a famous victory won.
Boyish banter in the sky,
Where you were so soon to die.
Almost out of school you came,
There to die in battle’s flame.
Fire and smoke and cannon’s roar,
Trapped within your cockpit door.
Feel the searing heat around;
See the fast-approaching ground.
Time to dwell but fleetingly
On that love on mother’s knee.
Bought you time that others might
Join you in that fateful fight.
Lift the terror, set men free;
Save them from base tyranny!