DURING a very special event RAFA (RAF Association) Chingford honoured one of their own, Second World War fighter pilot Norman Enders, by presenting him with Honorary Membership in recognition of his service in the UK and Africa.

The words of the Kohima Epitaph: ‘When You go home, tell them of us and say, for your tomorrow We gave Our Today.’ was very apt as Mr Enders was in training for frontline service over India and Burma in P-47 Thunderbolt aircraft.

The ceremony was followed by a drive round the airfield perimeter to The Squadron to view the Aero Legends Supermarine Spitfire.

An unexpected bonus was viewing the Aero Legends Vintage North American Harvard aircraft in all phases of operation from take-off to landing and taxing into dispersal.

This was the first time since 1945 Mr Enders had seen and heard a flying example of the aircraft he had last flown in Rhodesia. He had always talked about the extreme noise levels emitted by the Pratt & Whitney radial engine and at the ceremony everyone could understand why.

The RAFA Chingford VE-Day 2022 event held earlier this month was felt to be even more important to remember. The occasion combined Presentation of Standards together with a presentation of the honorary membership.

The parading and Presentation of Standards was conducted at the North Weald Hawker Hurricane Gate Guardian aircraft together with the poignant Exhortation, which reads: ‘They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old, Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun, and in the morning, we will remember them.’

Mr Enders was also able, as one of the surviving few, to stand close to one of the few airworthy Spitfires.

He was able to attend and participate on VE-Day and other previous events, including Remembrance Day parades, thanks to the help from the manager and staff at HighCroft Care Home, Rectory Road, Walthamstow where he now lives. RAFA also supported him during lockdown.