Battle of Britain Commemoration Service and Parade

A civic procession will take place with Cheltenham’s mayor, councillors, freemen, aldermen and Cheltenham RAFA. The procession will then parade from St Mary’s Church with the Stroud Brass Band to lay a wreath at the war memorial.

Road diversions will be in place for the event which will include a temporary closure of the inner Promenade from 6pm on Saturday 15 September to 1.30pm on Sunday 16 September.  

Royal Well Road, Crescent Terrace and the Promenade will have a temporary closure from 10am to 1.30pm on Sunday 16 September. Traffic will be diverted through St George’s place.

Mayor of Cheltenham, Cllr Bernard Fisher, says “I am honored that this year, the centenary of the founding of the RAF, I am able, as mayor, to help commemorate this auspicious occasion.”

Air Marshal Sir Dusty Miller, president of the Cheltenham Branch of the RAF Association, continues: “In 1940 only the RAF stood between Hitler and his plan to invade England. The Battle of Britain was the only battle in the past 100 years upon which our survival as a nation depended.

“It was won by the pilots of fighter command, who were ably and courageously helped by pilots from 15 other countries who came to England to join the fight. They were supported by ground crews who repaired, refueled, rearmed and returned the fighter aircraft to the battle day after day.

“Their efforts were directed by the people who worked long and often frightening hours in the sector operations and filter rooms, keeping track of enemy raids; and the moral backbone to the entire endeavor came from the countless civilians who lived and toiled directly beneath the bombsights of the enemy, yet steadfastly refused to yield.

“On 17 September, Hitler abandoned his plans to invade.

“We will remember them.”

For media enquiries please contact Laura Carter, communications officer, telephone 01242 264154, email [email protected]