On 9th September 2024, the Royal Air Force Club proudly unveiled two new portraits in its Churchill Bar, commemorating the two key RAF commanders in the Battle of Britain: Air Chief Marshal Lord Hugh Dowding and Air Chief Marshal Sir Keith Park. The portraits, painted by revered artist Hazel Morgan, now hang on either side of the iconic portrait of Honorary Air Commodore Sir Winston Churchill, whose famous 1940 speech commending ‘The Few’ immortalised the men and women of Fighter Command.

The unveiling took place at the start of Battle of Britain week, drawing together an esteemed audience that included Lord Piers Dowding, grandson of Lord Hugh Dowding, and Sarah Mossman, a descendant of Sir Keith Park. Also in attendance were dignitaries including the High Commissioner for New Zealand Philip Bruce Goff CNZM, honouring the New Zealand-born Sir Keith Park. Representatives of the Royal Air Force Club included: Club President Sir David Walker; Air Commodore Rick Peacock-Edwards representing our Arts & Heritage Committee who organised the commissions; and the Club Chair, Air Vice-Marshal The Honourable David Murray, who hosted the special unveiling.

Lord Dowding is regarded as the key architect of Britain’s air defence strategy before and during the pivotal months of 1940. Dowding, as Commander-in-Chief of RAF Fighter Command, was instrumental in developing the integrated air defence system that would prove vital in resisting the Luftwaffe’s attacks. Known for his unshakeable dedication to the defence of the nation, Dowding’s leadership and strategic foresight in developing the ‘Dowding System’, helped preserve Britain’s fighter strength during the run-up to and during the critical stages of the Battle of Britain. Though his tenure was not without controversy, his final message to his personnel showed the deep care he held for those under his command, stating, “My dear Fighter Boys, In sending you this my last message, I wish I could say all that is in my heart. I cannot hope to surpass the simple eloquence of the Prime Minister's words, "Never before has so much been owed by so many to so few". The debt remains and will increase.”

Sir Keith Park, who led 11 Group, was responsible for defending London and the south-east of England, the areas most heavily targeted during the Battle of Britain. Known for his tough yet respected leadership, Park's tactical brilliance ensured that his forces could flexibly repel numerous attacks. His later leadership in Malta earned him a knighthood for his efforts in defending the George Cross-winning island under siege.

The portraits of these two distinguished airmen were made possible through generous sponsorship. The RAF Fighter Control Officers Association and the Mercury Foundation supported Lord Dowding's portrait, while Sir Keith Park’s was funded by the Battle of Britain Fighter Association, the Cranwellian Association, and private donors.

Artist Hazel Morgan has painted a lasting tribute to these extraordinary leaders. Her portraits not only honour their historical significance but also reflect the emotional depth of their legacies.

The Chair of the RAF Club Arts and heritage Committee, Group Captain Jim Beldon, said: “These two portraits stand as lasting tributes to two of the Service’s greatest commanders, who saved Great Britain at its time of greatest peril. That they now hang alongside the portrait of Sir Winston Churchill is a fitting tribute to them and their role in winning the most important battle of the Second World War.”

Air Chief Marshals Lord Dowding and Sir Keith Park, complementing the Churchill Bar’s existing portrait of Sir Winston Churchill, ensuring that their legacy continues to inspire all who visit the RAF Club.