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 ensuing 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.?

The nature of war has changed since World War II, but not the nature of need. And so, thousands of collectors will be out and about in towns and villages throughout the United Kingdom, asking members of the public to dig deep and donate as much as they can afford on behalf of all those men and women of the Royal Air Force and their dependants who have fought and continue to fight to secure the freedom we enjoy today.

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. And this support does not just go to veterans of World War II, 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. This unique service is the hallmark of RAFA. Additionally, our support extends to three short break care homes, one convalescent home and supportive and sheltered housing.

As more and more homes for convalescent care and the elderly close, the importance of our continued support increases dramatically. Unfortunately so too do the costs of providing this. Last year our volunteers raised over £5 million pounds to keep our welfare services and homes operating. This year even more money will be needed.

To donate today, please ring Freephone 0800 0182361. Alternatively if you want more information on the Association you can write to me at the address given below.

I leave you with the thought that you will be helping those RAF men, women and families who have risked their lives to secure a future free from conflict. In our hour of need they did not falter. In their hour of need, I would ask you to please give generously.

Thank you for your help.

Air Marshal Sir John Sutton KCB

President

The Royal Air Forces

Association

Freepost NEA 15647

1171/2 Loughborough Road

Leicester

LE4 5ZT