Battle of Britain commemoration service

Sunday 13 September, 10:30am, at the war memorial on the Long Gardens

Cheltenham will be commemorating the 86th anniversary of the Battle of Britain on 13 September 2026, remembering the day when RAF Fighter Command claimed victory over the German Luftwaffe in 1940.

To mark this anniversary, a short ceremony will be held at the war memorial on Sunday 13 September, at 10:30am.

A temporary road closure will be in place for the event which will include the inner Promenade from 6pm on Saturday 12 September to 12noon on Sunday 13 September.

In attendance will be Mayor of Cheltenham Councillor Martin Horwood, 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.

Councillor Martin Horwood, Mayor of Cheltenham, said: "The Battle of Britain was pivotal in stopping the invasion of our country in 1940 and we should be proud to commemorate this turning point in our nation’s history. We gather to remember the courage and sacrifice of British and allied pilots and the thousands of casualties on the ground and to reflect on the courage of those currently serving in the armed forces of the UK and its allies.”

Air Marshal Sir Dusty Miller, president of the Cheltenham Branch of the RAF Association, commented: “86 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.”

For press enquiries, contact: communications, telephone 01242 264231, email [email protected].

Battle of Britain commemoration service

Sunday 13 September, 10:30am, at the war memorial on the Long Gardens

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