Around 100 people touched down at Thames Airfield on September 11 for the third commemoration of Thames-born Sir Keith Park. Sir Keith was the ace fighter pilot and leader who saved London in the Battle of Britain during World War II. The commemoration included a Harvard plane flypast and speeches from Royal New Zealand Air Force Group Captain Mike Cannon, Captain Russell Skeet, Coromandel MP Scott Simpson and Mayor Sandra Goudie. Viceregal consort of New Zealand Dr Richard Davies was unable to attend due to the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II two days prior. A 30-second moment of silence was held in her honour during the event. Reporter GORDON PREECE headed along to capture the commemorations.
