It was a thought Group Captain Russell Sowden, of the Royal New Zealand Air Force, shared with about 100 people gathered yesterday at the Cenotaph at Queens Gardens for the 75th anniversary of the historic World War 2 battle.
''The battle was the first major campaign to be fought entirely by air forces, and the outcome changed the course of the war and set the path to the future - a path that leads to this very day, and us standing here at the cenotaph to remember all those that served in the Battle of Britain,'' Gp Capt Sowden said.
He said the defeat of the Luftwaffe over the English Channel from July to October 1940 prevented Germany gaining the air superiority it required to invade England.
A significant amount of that success could be attributed to the contributions of New Zealand pilots, he said.
''New Zealand's most visible contribution was the 135 men who served in Fighter Command, the third largest national contingent after the Brits and Poles.
''Many Kiwis also served in Bomber Command, including 75 (New Zealand) Squadron, which repeatedly attacked the German invasion barges being gathered in French ports.
''Other New Zealanders flew supporting missions as part of RAF Coastal Command, or served in the ships and squadrons of the Royal Navy.
''Our pilots were among the best.''
He paid particular tribute to Flying Officer Brian Carbury, a Wellingtonian of 603 Squadron, who was one of only two airmen who achieved ''ace in a day'' status and a total of 15 kills during the Battle of Britain.
Another New Zealand ace was Pilot Officer Colin Gray, a Cantabrian with 54 Squadron, who had a total of 14 kills during the battle.
Gp Capt Sowden also gave tribute to former Otago Boys' High School pupil and Fighter Command 11 Group commander Air Vice Marshal Sir Keith Park.
The late Marshal of the Royal Air Force Lord Arthur Tedder praised Sir Keith for his leadership, his calm judgement and his skill, which saved not only Britain, but the world.
''Of Park, Lord Tedder noted in 1947 that if any man won the Battle of Britain, he did,'' Gp Capt Sowden said.
About one in seven New Zealand pilots in Fighter Command were killed during the Battle of Britain, and even more died in Bomber Command, he said.
''On the roll of honour for the Battle of Britain, there are 2936 names - 595 of these are non British.''
The commemoration was concluded with a presentation by former Brevet Club president Neville Selwood, who gave a plaque in memory of ''those who flew for freedom'', to Squadron Leader Joni Simpson, of the New Zealand Cadet Forces.
