City & Central London Branch of the Royal Air Forces Association

21/08/2026

Eighty six years ago this month, the Battle of Britain was already under way.

The Battle of France was over, and Britain faced a profound threat. Across the United Kingdom and beyond, young men took to the skies while many thousands of women and men supported them on the ground.

They came from Britain, the Commonwealth, occupied Europe, and countries around the world. They were united by a determination to defend freedom against tyranny.

The Battle of Britain reminds us how quickly even a sophisticated society can descend into hatred, oppression, and terror. It also reminds us what courage, service, and unity can achieve when ordinary people are called upon to confront extraordinary circumstances.

For members of the Royal Air Forces Association, the weeks leading to Battle of Britain Day on 15 September carry particular significance. Through the Wings Appeal, our volunteers help raise the funds needed to provide friendship, care, and practical support to members of the RAF community.

This is not about glorifying war. It is about remembering service and sacrifice, while caring for those who serve, those who have served, and the families who stand beside them.

If you are able to support the Wings Appeal this year, please give generously.

You can also learn more about the RAFA City and Central London Branch, our activities, and how to join us as an Ordinary or Associate Member:

https://branch.rafa.org.uk/city-central-london/

We may not be able to make the world perfect, but together we can help make it kinder, safer, and better.

21/08/2026

21/08/2026

Could you give four hours to support the RAF community?

The RAFA City and Central London Branch is planning a Wings Appeal street collection in Central London from Tuesday 15 to Thursday 17 September 2026, subject to final confirmation of the necessary licence.

We hope to have at least four volunteers collecting each day between 9.00 am and 5.00 pm. Volunteers may offer either a full day or one of two half day sessions:

9.00 am to 1.00 pm

1.00 pm to 5.00 pm

Collectors will be equipped to accept card and telephone payments using SumUp devices and QR codes, alongside traditional cash donations.

The collection coincides with Battle of Britain Week and provides a meaningful opportunity to honour those who served by supporting today’s RAF community.

If you are a branch member and can volunteer for one or more sessions, please contact:

Mike Saunders, Branch Secretary
[email protected]

Even four hours of your time could make a genuine difference.

To learn more about the RAFA City and Central London Branch, please visit:

https://branch.rafa.org.uk/city-central-london/

20/08/2026

20/08/2026

🗝️ Next month, we're unlocking doors to the borough's past.

🏛️ Our Open House Festival 2026 invites you to explore some of Hillingdon’s most distinctive heritage sites.

🗣️Take a guided tour of historic hidden gems, rarely open to the public, like the Dovecote at Eastcote House and the Generator House of the Battle of Britain Bunker.

To find out more, read the full story by clicking the link in the comments 👇️

20/08/2026

We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of former RAF Squadron Leader Graham Laurie MVO, who died on Saturday.

Graham was a dedicated supporter of the RAF Benevolent Fund and generously served as a Fund Ambassador for many years, sharing stories from his remarkable career in The Queen’s Flight and kindly donating his speaking fees to support the RAF Family.

He joined the RAF in 1964 and enjoyed a distinguished 36-year flying career, amassing more than 13,500 flying hours. For the final two decades of his service, Graham was a member of The Queen’s Flight, later 32 (The Royal) Squadron at RAF Northolt. Among the many notable moments in his career, he regarded flying Diana, Princess of Wales, home from Paris to London following her death as one of the most significant.

Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with Graham’s family, friends and all who had the privilege of knowing him at this difficult time.