Dowding descendant to attend anniversary afternoon

Piers Dowding will attend ‘Hugh Dowding and the Battle of Britain’ on August 27 at the Annandale Arms Hotel, from 3 pm to 5 pm.
Organised by Gyre, a partnership formed to enhance life in Moffat, the event will also see historian Stephen Bungay speak about his book ‘The Most Dangerous Enemy’.
A regular on both the History and Discovery Channels, Bungay is delighted to have the opportunity to visit the birthplace of the Commander-in Chief of Fighter Command.
The skills of Hugh Dowding are credited with allowing the outnumbered British forces ultimately to thwart the German air raids during the 16-week period known as The Battle of Britain.
Gyre trustee and historian Professor Andrew Wheatcroft said: “This is a unique opportunity for everyone in Moffat.
“Dowding’s uniquely effective system for controlling and managing the air war, developed and refined over years, was the true battle winner in 1940.
“He was a meticulous planner, who inspired most of those who worked with him, but who was shamefully treated in the factional politics of the RAF after the battle was won.
“It is splendid now to pay tribute to him in this way.”
There will also be an opportunity to have heirlooms appraised at an earlier charity antique and collectable valuation, from 12 noon to 2 pm, by experts from Bonhams in Edinburgh.
All proceeds will go to the Royal Air Force Association.
Tickets are available from Moffat Book Shop and from Eventbrite online, www.gyre.org.uk