THEY stood in the rain to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
Crowds gathered at the cenotaph in Paragon Square for a service to commemorate the anniversary of the Battle of Britain.
Air cadets and veterans then marched to Holy Trinity Church in the event organised by the Hull branch of the Royal Air Forces Association.
Ian Russell, of the branch, said: "We do this to remember the pilots that were killed during the battle.
"They didn't stand a chance when they started, but the British spirit got us through. We do this service every year to try to keep the tradition of remembering them going."
Hundreds of pilots were killed during the battle in 1940, which was the first major campaign to be fought entirely by air forces.
The service on Sunday began with the national anthem before words from The Reverend Allen Bagshawe.
He said: "We are here to remember what happened in 1940, which must never be forgotten.
"The character of our nation was forged upon the young pilots during the Battle of Britain.
"In the defence of our country, they gave themselves, regardless of personal safety.
"They were a generation of young me to whom we owe so much.
"We hold in our prayers the families who still mourn the loss of young men. We will remember those who paid the ultimate price.
"They must never be forgotten."
Veterans, cadets and members of the public then bowed their heads as the Last Post rang out before dignitaries and veterans laid wreaths on the cenotaph.
Nick Rumble, 87, served in the Navy between 1943 and 1947 and was one of the Second World War veterans at the service.
He said: "There are not so many of us left now, but it is important to keep having services like this.
"It is a tradition we must keep going to remember those who lost their lives."
The Lord Mayor of Hull, councillor Nadine Fudge, laid a wreath at the service.
She said: "If it wasn't for those who gave their lives, we wouldn't be here today.
"We should always do things like this to remember those lost in military service."
Barry and Sandra Cook, of Bilton, were watching their grandson on parade with the Air Cadets.
Mrs Cook said: "It was a very nice service. It's very moving when you hear them talking about it. I could feel myself welling up.
"We have to remember them because where would we be without them?
"I felt so proud seeing my grandson taking part in something like this."
Mr Cook said: "It is so important to remember them."
