40th anniversary of Hugh Dowding tribute in Moffat
Written by author on September 9, 2012
A service in memory of the man who masterminded the RAF’s victory in the Battle of Britain has reached its 40th anniversary.
Air Chief Marshal Hugh Dowding was born in Moffat and the town has honoured him every year since 1972.
The original event was started by Irene Park MBE, who died earlier this year. Dr Hamish McLeod has organised this year’s event.
The highlight of the day is a Spitfire flypast over the town’s Station Park.
Dowding, who was born in Moffat
in 1882, was the head of Fighter Command in the late 1930s.
He had been due to retire in June 1939 but stayed on because of the tense international situation.
His strategic and tactical skill has been credited with allowing the outnumbered British forces to ultimately thwart the German air raids during the 16-week period in 1940, which became known as the Battle of Britain.
