The Melton Mowbray Branch of the Royal Air Forces Association (RAFA) held their annual Battle of Britain Commemorations. The day started with the warmth of the early autumn sun shining on the parade as it formed up to pay their respects to "The Few".
The parade was well attended with many representatives from
the local community, including veterans and members of the Melton and Rutland
RAFA Branches, Royal Air Force Police section from the Defence Animal Centre,
The Royal British Legion and representatives from the mayor's office, the local
polish community, the Melton Town Estate and the local police commissioner.
The younger generation was well represented by a large contingent of over 60 Air Training Corps cadets and Combined Cadet Force cadets and staff. Squadrons represented were 1279 (Melton Mowbray), 2248 (Oakham), 2502 (Hamilton) squadrons Air Training Corps and Ratcliffe College Combined Cadet Force.
The parade marched through the town centre watched by crowds
of local people on its way to the Memorial Gardens. Once there a short service was held and
wreaths were laid to remember those who lost their lives in the Battle of
Britain.
"Never in the field of human conflict was so much owed by many to so few", Winston Churchill
The parade then marched back through the town to do a formal dismiss of the parade in front of the crowds of on lookers.
The day was then finished off with an evening service held
at Sage Cross Methodist Church, attended by HM Lord Lieutenant of
Leicestershire Jennifer, Lady Gretton and representatives from the local
community. The Banners of the RAFA
Branch, The Royal British Legion, 1279 (Melton Mowbray) & 2502 (Hamilton)
Squadron Air Training Corps were paraded through the Church. To conclude the day the Melton Mowbray RAFA
Club held a reception for all the guests after the service.
Brenda Cox the Wings co-ordinator for the Branch said "It's been a very good day, even the weather has kept fine for us. It's really great to see the numbers of cadets growing every year"