HE HAS a road named after him in Uxbridge, and now he has a statue in Trafalgar Square yards from Nelson's Column. Reporter Dan Coombs looks back at the role of Sir Keith Park in The Battle of Britain...

He was known by the Germans as 'The Defender of London' and during his 35 years service he achieved virtually every military award possible.

Born in New Zealand, Sir Keith Park, son of a Scotsman, could never have foreseen one day having a statue close to Lord Nelson, when he joined the army in 1911.

When Archduke Ferdinand was shot in 1914 and the First World War erupted, Park found himself in the thick of the landings in Gallipoli, Turkey, and embroiled in trench warfare.

After getting a taste of action, Park transferred to the British Army, and learned skills as a fighter pilot, the start of an accomplished flying career.

By the time World War Two came around, Park had taken command of the No. 11 RAF Group, based at RAF Uxbridge, on Hillingdon Road, responsible for the air defence of London and the South East of England.

Park soon gained a reputation as a master tactician, and despite the fact the German Luftwaffe were numerically superior, they were never allowed to gain an advantage.

He conducted his operations from a bomb-proof underground bunker at RAF Uxbridge, where his calm leadership skills became much admired.

Lord Tedder, chief of the Air Staff, said in 1947: "If any one man won the Battle of Britain, he did.

"I don't believe it is recognised how much this one man, with his leadership, his calm judgement and his skill, did to save not only this country, but the world."

A campaign was launched last year to build a statue of Sir Keith Park on Trafalgar Square's fourth plinth, a vision that became reality last Wednesday.

Terry Smith, chairman of the Keith Park Memorial Campaign, said: "Park was pivotal in organising the defence of our country and capital city during the Battle of Britain and was a key figure in ensuring the survival of our nation.

"A New Zealander, Park was one of many who came from Commonwealth nations and other countries to our aid at one of Britain’s most bleak times in history.

"As we reflect on the recent anniversary of the beginning of the Second World War, and the story of Sir Keith Park, we should remember the sacrifices made on our behalf by our own forces and by citizens from the Commonwealth and other countries in our ‘Finest Hour’.”

Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, said: "London owes an enormous debt to Sir Keith Park for his courage and leadership, which helped to win the Battle of Britain.

"This is a mark of our gratitude for the bravery and commitment this great hero showed to London and the world."