Two of Churchill’s “few” airmen who took part in the Battle of Britain will tell their story at a special event expected to attract a sell-out audience, organisers said today.
War heroes Squadron Leader Tony Pickering, 93, and Flying Officer Ken Wilkinson, 96, are two of only a handful of Winston Churchill’s “few” still able to travel and tell their story.
They will give an exclusive talk at The Ramada in Forge Gate (formerly Grays Hotel) in Telford, on November 12 from 5.30pm for a 6pm prompt start.
The event, which last year attracted more than 70 guests, has been organised by Telford Business Club.
Tickets for non-members cost £20 and the event is open to everyone, including all generations of the family who would be interested from teenagers studying history in school to fellow war veterans.
The war veterans will be after dinner speakers and tickets include a hot meal.
Terry Le Long, who is ex RAF and chairman of the network club, said: “Last year, we were incredibly lucky to hear both these gentlemen speak and we feel so honoured they have agreed to come and tell their story again.
“It is a story we should listen to again and again to pass on to future generations.
“Last year we raised more than £1,200 for the RAF Benevolent Fund and we hope to be able to raise even more than that this year.
“It was such a fantastic night and we really hope those people who attended previously will come again as well as new people who have yet to hear the story of these brave airmen.”
Mr Pickering will recall his memories of being shot down by a German fighter plane and being forced out of his blazing Hurricane at 3,000ft during the conflict in 1940.
After landing in the Guards depot in Caterham in Surrey, he will tell how he returned to the skies the following day.
While Mr Wilkinson flew spitfires under the command of fighter legend Sir Douglas Bader, while taking part in the most important encounter fought in the skies over Britain.
The Battle of Britain took place over the skies of Britain from July 10 1940 until September 17 when Hitler postponed “Operation Sealion”, the invasion of Britain, because he could not get air superiority. Battle of Britain Day is commemorated in the UK on September 15.
Mr Le Long said all tickets had to be booked in advance.
“It is a rare opportunity to hear two war heroes speak and we expect tickets to sell out fast.
“The night also includes a two-course meal, which has a Mexican theme, so it’ll be a great night out.”
To book a place to hear the war veterans speak on November 12 at The Ramada in Telford e-mail [email protected].
Visit www.telfordbusinessclub.com and follow the club on Twitter @TelfordBusiness.
