A spitfire roared through the skies of Newark on Sunday as part of the town's Battle of Britain commemorations.
This year's events, which were returning to something akin to the usual format after a covid-imposed break, had added significance this year.
RAF College Cranwell exercised its Freedom of Newark through an extended parade.
A freedom parade by RAF College Cranwell in Newark as part of the 80th anniversary of the battle of britain, 80th anniversary, the first decisive battle in history fought entirely in the air during the second world war. (51174959)
In April 27, 2003, following a resolution adopted by Newark Town Council, the then RAF Cranwell was granted the Freedom of the Town.
This was in recognition of the close links between the station and the town supporting the annual Battle of Britain parade.
Those links continue to this day.
A freedom parade by RAF College Cranwell in Newark as part of the 80th anniversary of the battle of britain, 80th anniversary, the first decisive battle in history fought entirely in the air during the second world war. (51174932)
This year is the 81st anniversary of the Battle of Britain and the commemorations extended to mark the freedom gift through the presence of the Band of the Royal Air Force College at head the parade and The RAF College Cranwell Queen’s Colour and 45 Squadron Standard.
Wreaths were laid at the war memorial by Newark Parish Church where the silence took place with lowered standards either side of the Last Post and Reveille.
A parade of serving members of the RAF and veterans departed London Road carpark for the market place where it formed up.
A freedom parade by RAF College Cranwell in Newark as part of the 80th anniversary of the battle of britain, 80th anniversary, the first decisive battle in history fought entirely in the air during the second world war. (51175224)
The Mayor of Newark, Lisa Geary Mayor of Newark, Lisa Geary, inspected the parade in the Market Place. She was accompanied by the Station Commander RAF Cranwell, Group Captain Joanne Campbell, and Air Chief Marshal, Sir Andrew Pulford (Rtd) representing the Lord Lieutenant of Nottinghamshire.
1260 Squadron Newark Air Cadets awaited the arrival of the main parade in the Market Place.
A church service then followed before the parade re-formed and marched through the central aisle of the market place where the salue was taken from a rostrum by the mayor, Air Chief Marshal Sir Andrew Pulford, Group Captain Campbell, chairman of Newark and Sherwood District Council, Penny Rainbow and chairman of Newark RAFA, Allan Brooke.
A freedom parade by RAF College Cranwell in Newark as part of the 80th anniversary of the battle of britain, 80th anniversary, the first decisive battle in history fought entirely in the air during the second world war. (51175242)A freedom parade by RAF College Cranwell in Newark as part of the 80th anniversary of the battle of britain, 80th anniversary, the first decisive battle in history fought entirely in the air during the second world war. (51168422)A freedom parade by RAF College Cranwell in Newark as part of the 80th anniversary of the battle of britain, 80th anniversary, the first decisive battle in history fought entirely in the air during the second world war. (51168416)A freedom parade by RAF College Cranwell in Newark as part of the 80th anniversary of the battle of britain, 80th anniversary, the first decisive battle in history fought entirely in the air during the second world war. (51174731)A freedom parade by RAF College Cranwell in Newark as part of the 80th anniversary of the battle of britain, 80th anniversary, the first decisive battle in history fought entirely in the air during the second world war. (51175232)A freedom parade by RAF College Cranwell in Newark as part of the 80th anniversary of the battle of britain, 80th anniversary, the first decisive battle in history fought entirely in the air during the second world war. (51175188)A freedom parade by RAF College Cranwell in Newark as part of the 80th anniversary of the battle of britain, 80th anniversary, the first decisive battle in history fought entirely in the air during the second world war. (51168215)A freedom parade by RAF College Cranwell in Newark as part of the 80th anniversary of the battle of britain, 80th anniversary, the first decisive battle in history fought entirely in the air during the second world war. (51168126)A freedom parade by RAF College Cranwell in Newark as part of the 80th anniversary of the battle of britain, 80th anniversary, the first decisive battle in history fought entirely in the air during the second world war. (51174719)
