Young cadets stood shoulder to shoulder with civic leaders and members of the public as a community paid tribute to those who fought in the Battle of Britain and the freedoms their sacrifice helped preserve.
The Battle of Britain memorial service and parade was held in Exmouth on Sunday, September 20, marking the 86th anniversary of one of the defining battles of the Second World War.
Cadets from squadrons across Devon and Somerset travelled to the town to take part in the wing parade, which included a service and a march through the town before finishing at the Battle of Britain Memorial on the Esplanade.
Richard Bagnall, officer commanding of 299 (Exmouth) Squadron Air Training Corps, said: “Every year, throughout the country, cadets, the Royal Air Force and the Royal Air Forces Association pay tribute to those who fought during the Battle of Britain.
“We are supported by squadrons throughout Devon and Somerset that have all come down here to make this a wing parade.
“The cadets have really put a lot of effort into getting ready and it is great to see so many members of the public coming along to watch the parade.”
Richard said he hoped the commemoration would also help people understand the significance of the battle.
He added: “It was the defining moment when the march of Nazi tyranny across Europe was halted and checked.
“We showed a glimmer of light to the rest of the world that it was not all going Hitler's way.”
The service included prayers remembering those who fought to defend the country and giving thanks for the freedom preserved by their sacrifice.
Those gathered heard: “We are gathered here to remember, in the presence of Almighty God, the victory granted in the Battle of Britain, and to give thanks for the freedom which was then preserved for us.
“We also gather here to remember the sacrifices made in the Battle of Britain and to give thanks for those who fought to defend this country.”
The Royal Air Forces Association dedication also pledged to keep alive the memory of those from all nations who died while serving in the RAF and Commonwealth air forces.
It concluded: “In their name, we give ourselves to this noble cause. Proudly and thankfully, we will remember them.”
Reg Abbott also addressed the service, reading Winston Churchill's famous tribute to those who fought in the battle.
He said: “Never in the field of human conflict was so much owed by so many to so few.”
He continued with words of remembrance: “They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old.
“Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
“At the going down of the sun and in the morning, we will remember them.”
Mayor of Exmouth Cllr Graham Deasy praised the cadets and those behind the commemoration after the parade.
Cllr Deasy said: “It is a very proud occasion. The turnout from the RAF cadets was wonderful. They were very smart and it was really good to see.
“The whole afternoon went very well. The service was well organised and then there was the parade through town via The Strand.
“They stopped at the war memorial to lay one wreath before coming down to the Battle of Britain Memorial on the seafront.”
Cllr Deasy said the turnout had also left him proud of the younger generation.
He added: “It makes you very proud that cadets came from all over the South West of England and it was so well organised by our own cadet wing.
“It makes you very proud of the youth of today. It has been a privilege to be here.”
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