Banbury keeps alive an event to remember those involved in the Battle of Britain

The day included a flypast from the UK’s last remaining airworthy Avro Lancaster

A military parade and a flyover from one of the country’s most iconic planes were two of the key highlights from the 2024 Battle of Britain Memorial event in Banbury on Sunday.

The day served as an occasion to remember the fighter pilots who risked everything and were victorious in their efforts to repel the threat of Nazi Germany during the Battle of Britain from July 10 to October 31, 1940.

The military parade from the Town Hall made its way to St. Mary’s Church for a special service to remember ‘the few’ – the collective name for the British forces that took part in the Battle of Britain   Other soldiers who risked or lost their lives fighting to ensure Britain’s freedom were also remembered.

Following the service people gathered on Horsefair to watch a flypast from the UK’s last remaining airworthy Avro Lancaster.   The historic plane provided a fitting and awe-inspiring sight as it soared almost directly over Banbury Cross. 

Next year will mark 85 years since the Battle of Britain.   With only one surviving member of ‘the few’ still alive it is an event that is disappearing from living memory and into the history books.   Banbury Town Council is proud to be one of a small number the few remaining towns celebrating the Battle of Britain with a dedicated memorial event, thanks in large part to a dedicated portion of its population who have strived to keep the military campaign in the public consciousness.

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Published: 17/09/2024 06:54pm by Banbury FM Newsteam

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