Anthony Inglis to pay personal tribute to RAF connection at Chester Cathedral concert
This year marks 84 years since the Battle of Britain, but for RAF Association Ambassador Anthony Inglis, his connection to this pivotal event in our history runs much deeper.
Grammy-nominated conductor Anthony’s family connection with the RAF began with both his grandfathers, one of whom was Executive Chair and Vice-President of the RAF Association from 1944 to 1947, founding the Association’s magazine Air Mail in 1944.
In addition, his father and uncles all served in the RAF. His uncle, Wing Commander Peter Howard-Williams DFC, risked his life and fought in the Battle of Britain, flying Spitfires with 19 Squadron from RAF Duxford.
In 1942, Peter even played himself, alongside other RAF pilots, in the film ‘The First of the Few,’ starring David Niven and Leslie Howard. Anthony fondly remembers conversations with his uncle Peter about his time in the RAF, with one story sticking in his mind.
“After filming ‘The First of the Few,’ David Niven sent some of the pilots, including my uncle, off to the Dorchester Hotel in London for a weekend. He told the hotel manager that the pilots were to pay for nothing – he would cover everything. My uncle would often go misty-eyed when he remembered that weekend – apparently it was one hell of a weekend!” said Anthony.
The RAF connection in Anthony’s family continues through his son, Flight Lieutenant Dominic Howard-Williams, who flies Chinooks with 18 Squadron from RAF Odiham.
Anthony will pay a personal tribute to his uncle Peter, and all those who sacrificed and risked so much during the Battle of Britain at Music In the Air, a concert held at Chester Cathedral on Friday 27 September.
Taking to the stage as a special guest conductor, Anthony will join the Band of the Royal Air Force College, under the direction of the RAF’s Principal Director of Music, Wing Commander Richard Murray.
Anthony will conduct the band through Introduction and March from the film ‘Battle of Britain,’ composed by Ron Goodwin, and the Spitfire Prelude, composed William Walton, from the film ‘The First of the Few,’ both pieces holding great significance to Anthony.
“I will be conducting in memory of my uncle who was one of The Few. I have conducted these pieces with an orchestra many times over the years and I always think of him when I do,” said Anthony.
Tickets are still available for the concert – book now: Music In the Air tickets
