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Historic Churchill quote painted in Shrewsbury park ahead of parade for Battle of Britain 85th anniversary

The historic words of Winston Churchill have been painted in a Shrewsbury park ahead of commemorations of the Battle of Britain 85th anniversary this weekend.

By Dominic Robertson
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Sunday will see Shrewsbury’s civic leaders marking the 85th anniversary of the Battle of Britain.

A parade by RAF Shawbury personnel will take place along St Chad’s Terrace at 10.45am followed by a short wreath-laying ceremony at the War Memorial in the Quarry.

A bugler will sound the Last Post followed by a two-minute silence at 11am to commemorate the hundreds of lives lost during the battle.

The Churchill quote 'never in the field of human conflict was so much owed by so many to so few', has been painted in The Quarry.
The Churchill quote 'never in the field of human conflict was so much owed by so many to so few', has been painted in The Quarry.

To mark the significant milestone, Shrewsbury Town Council has also painted a famous Winston Churchill quote on the grass near the War Memorial in the Quarry.

Delivered by Churchill in 1940, the words read “Never in the field of human conflict was so much owed by so many to so few.”

The council said the gesture provides a poignant reminder of the courage and sacrifice of those who fought in the skies 85 years ago.

A wreath laying ceremony will take place at the War Memorial in The Quarry.
A wreath laying ceremony will take place at the War Memorial in The Quarry.

The annual commemorative service marks the defence of the United Kingdom by Royal Air Force pilots and aircrew and the loss of more than 500 lives during the Battle of Britain between July and October 1940 - recognised as the first major campaign to be fought entirely by air forces.

September 15 saw the RAF gain a decisive victory over the Luftwaffe in what was Nazi Germany’s largest daylight attack.

The parade during last year's commemorations.
The parade during last year's commemorations.

Some 1,120 Luftwaffe aircraft were sent to attack London but were repelled by just 630 RAF fighters, marking the end of Hitler’s plans to invade Britain.

The Mayor of Shrewsbury, Councillor Alex Wagner, will lead the civic party and said he hoped as many people as possible will turn out to pay tribute to those who served.

The ceremony at last year's commemorations.
The ceremony at last year's commemorations.

He added: “We owe so much to our brave pilots and aircrew who fought to defend our country, and I am honoured to be taking part in this weekend’s commemorative event. I hope members of the public will turn out to pay tribute to those who served, especially on this 85th anniversary of the Battle of Britain.”

Road closures will be in place along St Chad’s Terrace from approximately 10am until 11.30am to allow the event to take place.