Battle of Britain remembrance parade and service held in Dudley
Heroes from the Battle of Britain were remembered at a poignant event in the Black Country.
Serving RAF personnel, veterans and cadets led a parade through Dudley town centre.
This started outside the Council House and weaved its way through the town centre, finishing outside Top Church.
A service of thanksgiving was held at the church, before the parade headed back past the council house – culminating in a period of silence and laying of wreaths at the cenotaph in Ednam Road.
Dudley mayor, Councillor Dave Tyler, hailed the support of the crowds who lined the streets and also packed out the church yesterday.
He said the event was a chance for current generations to pay tribute to those who fought in the crucial Second World War battles over Britain's skies.
Councillor Tyler said: "We were overwhelmed with the support from everybody – RAF Cosford and the public as well.
"The turnout was fantastic. The church was full and the parade was outstanding.
"It is so important to keep remembering the sacrifices people made in the war.
"Seeing so many youngsters out there was really good."
At the church service, the Rt Rev Graham Usher, the Bishop of Dudley, said: "We have come to worship to remember in the presence of God the victory given to the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth in the Battle of Britain.
"We are giving thanks for the valiant few, who – against all odds – set their lives against aggression and preserved a breathing space for freedom in the world...we shall remember all who both in war in peace, have served, or are now serving our sovereign and country in the hope that all nations may enjoy justice and peace."
The parade was led by the Kingswinford ATC squadron band. It also included members of the Royal Air Forces Association and borough RAF Air Cadet squadrons, and was joined for the first time by serving personnel from RAF Cosford.
