'˜Magnificent turnout' as Banbury marks Battle of Britain Day

Bad weather prevented a flypast but the Battle of Britain was still commemorated in Banbury on Sunday with a big turnout in the town centre.

The planned flypast by a Hurricane and a Spitfire was cancelled after bad weather in Lincolnshire prevented the aircraft taking off from their base at RAF Coningsby.

But the parade still marched from Broad Street, up High Street, round the Cross into Horsefair, and to St Mary’s Church.

After a special Battle of Britain service, the parade lined up in Horsefair before marching back down High Street for the salute taken by town mayor Shaida Hussain and Banbury’s high steward Sir Tony Baldry.

Taking the salute to the mayor after the service

Battle of Britain Day in Banbury was organised by Banbury Town Council.

Leader of the council Kieron Mallon said: “There was a magnificent turnout to remember this significant part of the Second World War and to pay tribute to the incredible bravery of those who took part.

“The flypast cancellation was unfortunate but I understand the weather was pretty grim up there.”

The Battle of Britain was fought above southern England in the summer and autumn of 1940 and the RAF’s defeat of the Luftwaffe was a major factor in stopping Hitler’s forces invading the country.

Aluminium from Banbury was vital in the production of aircraft for the RAF.