Remembering The Few: A Battle of Britain Day Poem

To mark the 86th anniversary of Battle of Britain Day (15 September), acclaimed military tribute writer, Terence Foster, has written a special commemorative poem reflecting on the courage, sacrifice and legacy of those who served.

They were young. They were brave.
They knew the call was ‘fight and save’.
When ‘Action!’ rang they dashed, full speed,
Their take-offs fast to build a lead.

Cockpit nerves were pushed aside, until the contact points were made.
Twists and turns, with gunfire bursts,
Showed the skills that struck home first.
Strikes were clear, aims were hits,
Enemy losses were viewed in bits.

Our steadfast flyers showed much more
To win grim battles and still endure.
Much is owed to these brave, and few,
Achieving more than so many knew.

Despite harsh losses, despite cruel pain,
Their target goals would still remain.
Close bonded teams sensed every scar,
Through hard fought fights. From where we are.
All tributes prove our praises last
For bold selfless deeds that shaped our past.

Words by Terence Foster ©2026
All rights reserved.