Battle of Britain commemoration service

To mark this anniversary of the day when RAF Fighter Command claimed victory over the German Luftwaffe in 1940, a short ceremony will be held at the War Memorial this Sunday, 15 September, at 11am.

Road diversions will be in place for the event which will include a temporary closure of the inner Promenade from 6pm on Saturday 14 September to 1pm on Sunday 15 September. Crescent Terrace, Post Office Lane and the Promenade will have a temporary closure from 10am to 1pm on Sunday 15 September. Traffic will be diverted through St George’s place.

In attendance will be mayor of Cheltenham Cllr Paul Baker, RAFA President Air Marshal Sir Dusty Miller, RAFA chairman Michael Bryant, honorary freemen, aldermen, councillors, and representatives from the Aden Veterans, Royal British Legion and local squadrons of ATC.

Cllr Paul Baker, mayor of Cheltenham, said: “The Battle of Britain was pivotal in stopping the invasion of our country in 1940 and we commemorate this turning point in our nation’s history. We gather to remember both theirs’ and their families’ sacrifices and to reflect on the courage of those currently serving and the support of their families.” 

Air Marshal Sir Dusty Miller, president of the Cheltenham Branch of the RAF Association, commented: “Eighty-four years ago our nation faced its darkest hour. Our pilots confronted a numerically superior and more experienced force, determined to destroy the RAF as a prelude to invasion.

“Even though much of Europe had already fallen, our pilots were courageously helped by those from 15 other countries who came to England; they were ably supported by the RAF ground crews and their efforts were directed by the people in the Sector Operations and Filter rooms; and we should not overlook the countless civilians who lived and toiled directly under the bombsights of the enemy, yet steadfastly refused to yield. Our freedom today is owed directly to their sacrifice. We will remember them.”

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