Veterans gathered in King's Lynn today to remember one of the most decisive battles of the Second World War.

The Battle of Britain was literally that, as the RAF's young fighter pilots faced down the German bombing campaign which was the prelude to an invasion.

It was remembered in Tower Gardens, at Lynn's memorial to the town's war dead, to commemorate September 15, 1940 - the battle's busiest day.

Gary Walker, secretary for the Royal British Legion said: 'The Battle of Britain was such a significant event in World War two, it was that point which the Germans suffered their first defeat and had it not been for that, the outcome could have been totally different. So it's right that we should be here now to commemorate and remember those who sacrificed themselves for that. There is still quite a lot of interest in the Battle, so it's quite right we should gather and show our respects to those that never returned. Also those that are serving at RAF Marham and those that are on operations as we speak. This is our chance to remember them and say thank you'

A contingent from RAF Marham were at the service today, standing to attention and echoing the pride that must have been felt on that momentous day.

Eastern Daily Press: Veterans pictured after the service inTower Gardens, to commemorate the 78th anniversary of the Battle of Britain. Picture: Ian BurtVeterans pictured after the service inTower Gardens, to commemorate the 78th anniversary of the Battle of Britain. Picture: Ian Burt (Image: Archant 2018)

West Norfolk Mayor Nick Daubney said: 'It is a real privilege to be here and of course we can be here today because a fairly small group of young men fought so valiantly in the skies and protected Britain so ably it was a turning point of the war. It was absolutely essential the battle was won and it's totally appropriate that these years later we continue to pay honour to those brave young men'

Wing Cdr Vic Staply OBE, 95, and president of the King's Lynn branch of the Royal Air Force Association, was in attendance. Mr Stapley was a bomber pilot during World War Two and he led the wreath laying.

Wing Cdr Stewart Geary, commanding officer of RAF Marham's base support wing, said: 'What those aircrew did on that special day back on the 15th September was something that saved our country and so remembering that is as important today as it was back then and particularly now as it goes on and on and on it becomes a bit of a distant memory so its really important that we get the message out on main stream media, out to the younger generation so those very special people, those few, never ever get forgotten.'

Eastern Daily Press: Veterans pictured after the service inTower Gardens, to commemorate the 78th anniversary of the Battle of Britain. Picture: Ian BurtVeterans pictured after the service inTower Gardens, to commemorate the 78th anniversary of the Battle of Britain. Picture: Ian Burt (Image: Archant 2018)

Eastern Daily Press: Veterans pictured after the service inTower Gardens, to commemorate the 78th anniversary of the Battle of Britain. Picture: Ian BurtVeterans pictured after the service inTower Gardens, to commemorate the 78th anniversary of the Battle of Britain. Picture: Ian Burt (Image: Archant 2018)

Eastern Daily Press: Veterans pictured after the service inTower Gardens, to commemorate the 78th anniversary of the Battle of Britain. Picture: Ian BurtVeterans pictured after the service inTower Gardens, to commemorate the 78th anniversary of the Battle of Britain. Picture: Ian Burt (Image: Archant 2018)

Eastern Daily Press: Veterans pictured after the service inTower Gardens, to commemorate the 78th anniversary of the Battle of Britain. Picture: Ian BurtVeterans pictured after the service inTower Gardens, to commemorate the 78th anniversary of the Battle of Britain. Picture: Ian Burt (Image: Archant 2018)