Roads to shut in town for poignant reason – Britain’s ‘darkest hour’

Cheltenham is set to honour the 84th anniversary of the momentous Battle of Britain on Sunday (September 15).. The town will pay tribute to RAF Fighter Command’s significant triumph over the German Luftwaffe back in 1940.

A poignant ceremony will take place at the War Memorial at 11am to mark the historic occasion. For the remembrance event, there will be several road closures.

A temporary shutdown of the inner Promenade will begin from 6pm on Saturday (September 14) until 1pm on Sunday. Crescent Terrace, Post Office Lane, and the Promenade will have closures from 10am until 1pm on Sunday. Detours will be routed via St George’s Place.

Among those expected are high-profile individuals such as Cheltenham’s mayor Cllr Paul Baker, RAFA President Air Marshal Sir Dusty Miller, RAFA chairman Michael Bryant, as well as honorary freemen, aldermen, councillors, and representatives from various distinguished groups including the Aden Veterans, Royal British Legion, and local ATC squadrons.

Cllr Paul Baker reflected: “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, said: “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.”