After the fall of France in 22 June 1940, Hitler turned his attention on Britain, aiming to force it to negotiate peace by means of an air and sea blockade, to be followed if necessary by a sea-borne invasion. The air campaign climaxed on 15 September (80 years ago today) with the RAF Fighter Command ensuring that Hitler would not have control of the skies. Although the Blitz continued until May 1941, Hitler called off the planned sea borne invasion. The Fighter pilots (one of whom was a West Kirk elder) who saved Britain from defeat and invasion in late Summer/early Autumn 1940 are known as the ‘Few’. We express our gratitude to them, and remember current RAF personnel. For more information visit https://www.rafbf.org/battle-of-britain
Lord, had the Battle of Britain been lost in 1940 the world would have been a very different and much worse place. We appreciate the courage of those who participated. We pray for peace, for justice for everyone in our world today
St Patrick came from a Romanised, Christian, British (Welsh-speaking) family on the West Coast of Britain. The Clyde likes to claim he was born at Old Kilpatrick. He was captured by Irish pirates and taken to Ireland as a slave. He was freed (or escaped), made his way home, and became a priest. He may have had some training in Gaul (France) and Rome. He went back to Ireland and based himself at Armagh. His autobiography (Confessio) and Letter to the British king Coroticus have survived. Many legends subsequently grew up around Patrick. The Mediaeval Parish Church of Dumbarton, and the Chapel at the Castle, were both dedicated to St Patrick.
