THE ANNUAL parade and service to mark the anniversary of the Battle of Britain has been held in Evesham.
The event took place on a sunny Friday, September 13 at Waterside Cemetery and was organised to show the town’s gratitude to those who lost their lives fighting and also to those who survived the battle.
Organised by the Evesham Branch of the Royal Air Force Association, it was well attended by veterans, councillors and civic representatives including the mayor and mayoress of Evesham, Councillors Robert Raphael and Marion Griffiths along with local school children.
A short parade through the cemetery was led by RAF veteran Danny Rawlinson, who along with RAF veteran Peter Stewart and Coun Ann Lyon, gave the salute.
The branch’s chaplain, Rev Andy Green conducted the service at the Commonwealth war graves area within the cemetery which contains 30 graves from the Second World War.
The dedication was read by 103-year-old Jeff Brereton, Evesham branch president of the RAF Association, and the Coun Robert Raphael, laid a wreath on its behalf. The last post and reveille was played by Carol Hall.
Adam Willett, representing the local branch of the Royal British Legion, and Calvin Barnett representing the Royal Air Force Association were the two standard bearers at the poignant ceremony.
A large contingent of pupils from Bengeworth CE Academy and Swan Lane First School, and staff also attended. At the end of the ceremony, the children laid crosses on the graves which are maintained by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission.
Jennie Johnson, chairman of the Evesham Branch of the Royal Air Force Association said she was delighted to see a large turnout.
This year is the 84th anniversary of the military campaign, which lasted from July 10 until October 31, 1940 and was pivotal in the outcome of the Second World War.
