Battle of Britain anniversary: 75 years on the nation remembers
The 75th anniversary of the Battle of Britain is being remembered across the country this week.
Today an estimated 40 Spitfires and Hurricanes and Blenheims from across the UK, USA and Europe will take off from Goodwood Aerodrome in West Sussex, to take part in an historic flypast over the South of England - bringing together in one place more Battle of Britain aircraft than at any time since the Second World War.
In the West Midlands the Royal Air Force Museum Cosford commemorated the landmark anniversary at the weekend with a flypast, costumed reenactors, a wartime classroom and engine demonstrations.
Wolverhampton's RAFA club on Goldthorn Road held a memorial service on Sunday, where around 100 people including members of the Air Training Corps, 30 apprentices from RAF Cosford and the Mayor of Wolverhampton, Ian Brookfield remembered the fallen.
On Friday Wolverhampton's Light House will screen a live broadcast of Radio 2's 'The Battle Of Britain at 75' from Biggins Hill in south-east London - one of the most iconic of Britain's fighter stations.
Presented by Dermot O'Leary, Jeremy Vine and Sophie Raworth, the show will tell the stories of those who fought in The Battle of Britain, with archive footage and performances from BBC Concert Orchestra, musicians from the armed forces and guest singers.
The screening starts at 7.30pm, with tickets priced at £12.
A national service of thanksgiving and re-dedication will be held at Westminster Abbey at 11am this Sunday, with Dudley holding its own special parade and thanksgiving service on the same day.
Six squadrons of the Air Training Corps will lead the event, which will be officiated by Reverend Canon Andrew Wickens. There will a parade through the town centre to St Thomas and St Luke Church just before 11am.
Councillor Steve Waltho, Mayor of Dudley, said: "We are very proud in Dudley of the sacrifices made by all service men and women to protect our country. This special parade and service help to remind us of the great importance of the Battle of Britain and the bravery of the members of the Royal Air Force.
"Anyone who wishes to help commemorate this event is invited to watch the parade and join us for the church service followed by the laying of wreaths at the cenotaph."
The Ancient High House in Stafford is hosting an exhibition looking at the role of Fighter Command and illustrating stories of local pilots and their air crew. The exhibition opens today and will run until October 31.
