Norwich will pay tribute to those who served during the Battle of Britain with a special parade and ceremony outside City Hall.
Members of the public are invited to join the Lord Mayor and Sheriff of Norwich, veterans and other distinguished guests on Monday 14 September, when personnel from RAF Marham and the Band of the Royal Air Force Regiment will parade on St Peter’s Street.
As part of the ceremony, the RAF will exercise its Freedom of the City, an ancient honour which gives military organisations granted the freedom the privilege of marching through the city with drums beating, colours flying and bayonets fixed. An RAF officer will present a scroll on the City Hall steps signifying their right to exercise the freedom.
The event, which marks the beginning of Battle of Britain Week, will take place between 11.30am and 12.15pm.
During the Battle of Britain, the RAF successfully defended against two major Luftwaffe attacks in 1940.
Nearly 3,000 RAF aircrew took part, and their courage and determination in defending the country saw them become known as ‘the Few’, following Winston Churchill’s famous tribute to their contribution.
The Lord Mayor of Norwich said:
“Battle of Britain Week gives us an important opportunity to remember the extraordinary courage and sacrifice of ‘the Few’ and all those who played their part in defending our country during the Second World War.
“It is a particular privilege to welcome RAF personnel to Norwich as they exercise their historic Freedom of the City. This proud tradition reflects the strong and enduring relationship between our city and the armed forces.
“I hope people will join us outside City Hall as Norwich comes together to remember those who served, while also recognising the dedication of those who continue to serve today.”
Road closures
St Peter’s Street and Bethel Street, from its junction with St Peter’s Street to The Forum car park, will be closed from 10.00am until 12.30pm.
Access to The Forum car park will be maintained during this time.
Road closure arrangements are subject to change.