Battle of Britain anniversary is marked in Shropshire
A fly past by Second World War fighter planes and parades marked the 70th anniversary of the Battle of Britain, as celebrations took place across the UK, including Shropshire, to mark the pivotal battle.
A fly past by Second World War fighter planes and parades marked the 70th anniversary of the Battle of Britain, as celebrations took place across the UK, including Shropshire, to mark the pivotal battle.
A Spitfire and a Hurricane flew above Westminster Abbey to commemorate the milestone and remember the sacrifices of those who lost their lives in the key Second World War battle.
And in Shropshire hundreds of people lined the streets of Shrewsbury town centre for a parade by air forces personnel yesterday.
Seventy years to the day when the RAF is considered to have won the battle against the German Luftwaffe, members of all three services at RAF Shawbury and air cadets from across Shropshire came together to mark the occasion in Shrewsbury.
It was one of a number of events taking place across the county and the rest of the UK, throughout the weekend.
On Saturday RAF Shawbury personnel, along with the Band of the RAF College Cranwell, marched through Market Drayton after receiving the freedom of the town, while a 1940s hangar dance also took place at RAF Museum Cosford on Saturday night.
During yesterday's event in Shrewsbury, a marching band led a parade through the town from the Guildhall to St Chad's Church.
Air service personnel and civil dignitaries congregated inside the church for a remembrance service.
Rev Mark Thomas, vicar of St Chad's, said: "We remember especially the role of the RAF in the Battle of Britain, and how they won the battle in the air.
"Our forebears have left us a splendid heritage, may we and those who follow us be worthy of their sacrifice."
Following the service there was a wreath laying at the Quarry which also included a dedication given by Jim Penny, of the Shrewsbury and District branch of the Royal Air Forces Association.
The parade in Market Drayton was inspected by the Station Commander Warren James and the town mayor, Councillor Roger Smith.
Julie Jones, deputy town clerk said: "The RAF looked wonderful and it was a pleasure to welcome them."
In London veterans and dignitaries attended Westminster Abbey. Prince William, fresh from graduating as a Search and Rescue Force helicopter pilot, attended the service with his father, the Prince of Wales, and the Duchess of Cornwall.
