A three pass flypast by the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight Avro Lancaster was the poignant conclusion to a commemoration of wartime service at the 12 New Forest airfields.

It is the 20th anniversary of the distinctive propeller memorial being built at Holmsley South and guests included high ranking representatives from the Australian, Canadian and Polish air forces as well as RAF and civic and service organisations.

The 12 airfields including Ibsley, Bisterne and Stoney Cross played a pivotal role in defeating Nazi Germany in a multinational effort backed by 10,000 local workers of all trades and professions and an army of volunteers.

Friends of the New Forest Airfield Association chairman, Dr Henry Goodall, said: “We meet to salute our forebears, often described as the greatest generation, all working together to protect our freedom.”

The service was conducted by Padre Charles Lewis who emphasised the international effort seen across the New Forest between 1939-45.

“Without other countries we would have been hard put to survive," he said.

And Colonel Robert Parker from Canada said the Royal Canadian Air Force and the Royal Air Force had enjoyed a decades long relationship and countries had worked ‘side by side’ to defeat Germany.

Wreaths were laid and the Last Post sounded, followed by a one minute silence ant then The Reveille.

Deputy Mayor of Christchurch Cllr Viv Charrett praised the work of FONFA - which runs a heritage centre in Mosquito Way, Bransgore, in keeping the history and memories alive.

A wreath was laid by Deputy Mayor of Ringwood, Cllr Rae Frederick.

The Lancaster flypast, right on schedule at 14.34 was especially moving for one bystander from Hythe whose late father was a navigator on the famous bomber.

The Spitfire also made a brief appearance for the occasion.

The 12 airfields were Beaulieu, Hurn, Christchurch, Holmsley South, Lymington, Calshot, Winkton, Needs Oar Point, Stoney Cross, Bisterne, Sway and Ibsley.

For more about the charity see www.fonfa.co.uk