SUNDAY (September 15) saw a uniformed parade of more than 200 RAF Air Cadets and 40 Staff marching through the streets of Chester to commemorate the Battle of Britain.

It was on September 15, 1940, that Fighter Command of the Royal Air Force claimed the crucial victory over the Luftwaffe, ending the threat of the planned invasion.

Despite the rain that had come down across the city during the morning, the cadets and staff of Merseyside Wing assembled in three flights at the Eastgate Clock bridge. Then, led by the band of 146 (Northwich) Squadron they marched before a large crowd down Eastgate Street before turning onto Northgate Street heading towards Chester Cathedral.

(Image: Royal Air Force Air Cadets)

Merseyside Wing Air Cadets along with their special guests including Lady Redmond MBE as the Lord Lieutenant of Cheshire, Councillor Razia Daniels as Lord Mayor of Chester, and Wing Commander Edward Challoner MBE as the Merseyside Wing President among others then attended a service of remembrance where tributes were paid to the brave men and women who have served in the Royal Air Force since its creation. Wreaths were then laid by Lady Redmond, Councillor Daniels, Wing Commander Challoner, and Cadets of Merseyside Wing at the Cathedral RAF Memorial. 

After the service the parade resumed, returning to Eastgate Street where the RAF Air Cadets made the eyes right, with staff saluting as they passed the dignitaries on the platform with Lady Redmond returning the salute, before ending the parade at the Chester City Hall where the Lord Mayor gave thanks to the cadets and staff for all their efforts on the day.

The Royal Air Force Air Cadets is open to all young people ages 12 (Year 8) to 18 and offers the opportunity for cadets to experience many areas including flying, gliding, target shooting, leadership, the Duke of Edinburgh Award, visits, and camps to active RAF Stations across Europe and much more.

If you are interested, please see www.raf.mod.uk/aircadets/find-a-squadron to find your local Squadron who are accepting new members throughout the year.