Moving memorial

Cadet warrant officer Tim Austen delivers the address during yesterday's Battle of Britain and air forces commemoration service at Dunedin's cenotaph, in Queens Gardens. About 80 people, including cadets and reserves, attended the 11am service.

Wreaths were placed on the cenotaph as a replica World War 2 aircraft flew overhead to mark the start of proceedings, which included speeches and prayers.

It marked the 72nd anniversary of the Battle of Britain, which took place between July 10 and October 31, 1940.

The Royal Air Force at the time included about 100 New Zealanders and of all the Allied forces killed, 47 were Kiwis, including 15 fighter pilots, 24 bomber crew and eight coastal aircrew.

Nearly 3000 personnel were awarded the Battle of Britain clasp, including about 120 New Zealanders, who made up the third-largest national contribution behind Great Britain and Poland.