Road closures and diversions as silence to fall in town centre to remember Britain’s ‘darkest hour’

‘As we stand in silent reflection, we gratefully acknowledge the service of those previously or currently in our armed forces who put themselves in harm’s way as they strive every day to keep Britain safe’

Cheltenham will commemorate the 85th anniversary of the Battle of Britain next Sunday (September 14) honouring the day when RAF Fighter Command triumphed over the German Luftwaffe in 1940.

A brief ceremony will take place at the war memorial at 10:30am to mark this significant anniversary.

For the event, road diversions will be in place, including a temporary closure of the inner Promenade from 6pm on Saturday, September 13 to noon on Sunday, September 14.

Crescent Terrace, Post Office Lane and the Promenade will also be temporarily closed from 9:30am to noon on Sunday. Traffic will be rerouted through St George’s place.

Among those attending will be Cheltenham’s mayor Cllr Dr David Willingham, 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 Dr David Willingham, the mayor of Cheltenham, said: “The Battle of Britain in 1940 was a turning point in the Second World War and in world history.

“We will gather to solemnly commemorate the courage and sacrifices of those who served, their families, and the many civilians caught up in the bombing campaigns of the Blitz that affected so many of Britain’s cities.

“As we stand in silent reflection, we gratefully acknowledge the service of those previously or currently in our armed forces who put themselves in harm’s way as they strive every day to keep Britain safe.”

Air Marshal Sir Dusty Miller, president of the Cheltenham Branch of the RAF Association, added: “Eighty-five 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 the invasion and subjugation of our island nation.

“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, irrespective of their race, religion, or political persuasion, who lived and toiled together beneath the bombsights of the enemy, yet steadfastly refused to yield.

“Our freedom today is owed directly to their sacrifice. We will remember them.”