Battle of Britain commemoration service

Cheltenham will be commemorating the 85th anniversary of the Battle of Britain on 14 September 2025, 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 14 September, at 10:30am.

Road diversions will be in place for the event which will include a temporary closure of the inner Promenade from 6pm on Saturday 13 September to 12noon on Sunday 14 September. Crescent Terrace, Post Office Lane and the Promenade will have a temporary closure from 9:30am to 12noon on Sunday 14 September. Traffic will be diverted through St George’s place.

In attendance will be mayor of Cheltenham 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, 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, commented: “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.”

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