Dudley to honour Battle of Britain heroes

Air Cadets from squadrons across the Black Country will join local armed forces veterans, representatives of the Royal British Legion, community groups and civic dignitaries to honour the courage and sacrifice of those who served in the Battle of Britain.

Dudley Council is supporting the RAF-led event, in conjunction with local charities and organisations and members of the public are invited to attend.

The formal parade will begin at approximately 10.45am from the top of Dudley High Street, with participants marching to the Cenotaph at Coronation Gardens where they will assemble for a Service of Commemoration commencing at approximately 11am.

The service will be led by Father Adam Hadley and will include prayers, reflection and the laying of wreaths in remembrance of those who made the ultimate sacrifice in the defence of the United Kingdom.

Special guests attending the event include West Mercian Wing’s Officer Commanding, Wing Commander Ross McElligott, The Mayor of Dudley Councillor Pete Lowe, who will be accompanied by the Mayoress, Mrs Su Lowe, and His Majesty's Lord-Lieutenant of the West Midlands Mr Derrick Anderson CBE. They will be joined by local councillors, Members of Parliament, veterans and representatives from a range of community organisations.

There will be road closures around Dudley town centre before and during the parade, people are asked to plan journeys ahead of travelling and leave additional journey time if they are travelling close to the town.
The Battle of Britain, fought between July and October 1940, was a pivotal moment in Britain's wartime history. The successful defence of the nation's skies by RAF pilots prevented a German invasion and became a defining chapter in the story of British resilience and determination.

Flt Lt Burns, the organiser of the event said:

"The Battle of Britain remains one of the most important events in our nation's history. This annual commemoration provides an opportunity for people of all ages to come together and remember the bravery, skill and sacrifice of those who defended our freedom.

“We are particularly proud that so many young people from the RAF Air Cadets will be taking part, helping to ensure that the legacy of those who served continues to be remembered by future generations.

“I personally cannot thank enough the team at Dudley Council and Dudley Highways who, without their generous support, this important parade would not have been possible and is now firmly back on the Council’s annual list of parades."

Councillor Pete Lowe, Mayor of Dudley, added:

“The Battle of Britain was a defining moment in our nation's history, when extraordinary courage and determination helped secure the freedoms we enjoy today.

“It is important that we continue to honour those who served and sacrificed so much for future generations and I am proud that Dudley will once again come together to remember these heroes with the young RAF Air Cadets helping to keep their legacy alive."