Remembering heroes of Battle of Britain

Photo: Paul Sterritt

RAF veterans paraded through Oldham town centre to mark the Battle of Britain.

OLDHAMERS braved windy, wet conditions to pay their respects and mark the 73rd anniversary of the Battle of Britain yesterday.

The parade, starting at Tommyfield Market and ending at the original war memorial in the grounds of Oldham Parish Church, honoured service men and women from the RAF and was attended by a veterans’ association and air-cadet squadrons from the borough as well as Oldham Mayor, Councillor John Hudson, and youth mayor Emma O’Donnell.

Addressing a shivering congregation in Oldham Parish Church, Councillor Hudson highlighted the importance of remembering those who had sacrificed their lives for future generations.

He said: “Though the weather is inconvenient, it is a little inconvenience compared to what all those men and women did.

“It is thanks to them that we have a free and democratic society, and we should be pleased to hold this ceremony so people will remember not to make the same mistakes.

Among the service men present was chairman of Oldham Royal Air Force Association, Ron Williams (79).

He said: “It’s important to come out every year and raise money for the Wings Association and keep this tradition going.

“It’s really important that the young people of the town keep this going and remember the sacrifices that have been made.”