Armed Forces commemorated in first Battle of Britain parade in St Helens for 6 years

Described as the first major military campaign fought entirely by air, British forces successfully defended the country from large scale attacks on military and civilian targets between July and October 1940.

With the turning point for Britain noted as September 15, the parade always takes place on the following Sunday to commemorate this military feat and honour the thousands of airmen and women, soldiers and civilians who lost their lives during the bloody battle.

However, as veterans who fought in this battle have recently passed or found it too difficult to organise, St Helens has been without a parade to celebrate this milestone for six years until a 'newly resurrected' veterans group began to put plans in place.

Re-forming just over three months ago, St Helens Royal Air Force Association (RAFA) organised the parade on Sunday, September 19, which started at Hardshaw Street and led to a Service of Commemoration at the Parish Church on Church Square.

All local veteran groups were invited, along with the Mayor Sue Murphy, councillors and anyone from the community who wished to pay their respects.

The event was to commemorate the soldiers who fought in the battle, those who kept the country going and those who lost their lives (Credit: Jess Hornby)

Mark Rahaman, Welfare Officer at St Helens RAFA, said: "Considering we only resurrected around three months ago, I'm really proud of what we actually achieved and chuffed with all the hard work by the committee, RAFA, veterans groups and the Council to get it on."

"It went great and was well attended by all the local veteran groups."

Mark, a veteran in the RAF, explained the parade was to commemorate local airmen and women that fought in the battle, those who paid the ultimate sacrifice, and the entire network of support which contributed to our success.

Mark, 67 and from Newton, added: "The parade is to celebrate everyone that played their part in the battle, from the service members to the cooks and manufacturers, to the civilians who kept the country going. Everyone played their part and it was so important."

RAF spitfires used to defend the country from Nazi air attacks

He explained that it was "amazing" to see people of all ages out in the town centre to pay their respects, with a special mention to 7-year-old Pippa Floyd, the daughter of an Army veteran who carried a posey of poppies on to the roll of honour - which ensures the acts of bravery committed by local airmen and women will be remembered by all.

The success of the parade is hoped to enable the St Helens branch to expand and continue its admirable welfare work, which provides veterans with support, guidance and companionship for any issues they are experiencing.

The parade was attended by Mayor Sue Murphy and local councillors (Credit: Jess Hornby)

Mark said: "I want to thank everyone that came out to show their support, and a special thanks to St Helens Council who have give us a hell of a lot of support in getting this going."

"We thank all other veteran groups and breakfast clubs for their support and participation in our act of remembrance and also Daryl Atkinson, owner of the Turks Head,Public House, Cooper Street for providing the buffet afterwards free of charge."