120 Air Cadets will join veterans for Dudley's Battle of Britain parade

More than 120 RAF Air Cadets will take part in an annual parade and service of commemoration in Dudley next month.

Air Cadets from squadrons across the Black Country will join armed forces veterans, representatives of the Royal British Legion, community groups and civic dignitaries to honour the courage and sacrifice of those who served in the Battle of Britain.

Dudley Council is supporting the RAF-led event on September 13, in conjunction with local charities and organisations and members of the public are invited to attend.

The formal parade will begin at approximately 10.45am from the top of Dudley High Street, with participants marching to the cenotaph at Coronation Gardens where they will assemble for a service of commemoration commencing at approximately 11am.

The service will be led by Father Adam Hadley and will include prayers, reflection and the laying of wreaths in remembrance of those who made the ultimate sacrifice in the defence of the United Kingdom.

Special guests attending the event include Officer Commanding of West Mercian Wing’s, Wing Commander Ross McElligott, mayor and mayoress of Dudley Councillor Pete Lowe and his wife Su, and Lord-Lieutenant of the West Midlands Derrick Anderson. They will be joined by local councillors, MPs, veterans and representatives from a range of community organisations.

Roads around Dudley town centre will be closed before and during the parade.

The Battle of Britain, fought from July to October 1940, was a pivotal moment in Britain's wartime history. The successful defence of the nation's skies by RAF pilots prevented a German invasion and became a defining chapter in the story of British resilience and determination.

Flt Lt Burns, the organiser of the event said: "The Battle of Britain remains one of the most important events in our nation's history. This annual commemoration provides an opportunity for people of all ages to come together and remember the bravery, skill and sacrifice of those who defended our freedom.

“We are particularly proud that so many young people from the RAF Air Cadets will be taking part, helping to ensure that the legacy of those who served continues to be remembered by future generations.”

Mayor Councillor Lowe added: “The Battle of Britain was a defining moment in our nation's history, when extraordinary courage and determination helped secure the freedoms we enjoy today.

“It is important that we continue to honour those who served and sacrificed so much for future generations and I am proud that Dudley will once again come together to remember these heroes with the young RAF Air Cadets helping to keep their legacy alive."