A BAND of pipes and drums will lead a parade through town as Saltash takes part in the final instalment of commemorations for the Blitz 80th anniversary.

Six auxiliary firemen, a boy scout on fire duty, and nine civilians were killed in April 1941 as bombs rained down on Saltash.

Descendants of those whose lives were lost have come together with other groups to honour their memory, with a church service, a wreath-laying at sunset, blessings of the plaques at Saltash Station and in Fore Street, and visits to the graves of the civilians killed.

A commemorative booklet has been produced to save in one place both the historic photos and documents, and a record of events organised in 2021.

The Remembrance Parade on August 8 will be led by the Devon and Somerset Ceremonial Unit of the Fire Service (pipes and drums) and there will also be a church service. The mayors of Saltash and Plymouth, Fire Service officials, officers and fire cadets, representatives of the Scout movement leadership and youth, and families of the fallen will be among those attending.

Within the parade will be WW2 vehicles including a Siren, WW2 trailer pump and Saltash Fire Station trailer pump with officers.

Local retired dentist Michael Lavelle, who witnessed the Fore Street Blitz on April 28, 1941, will give a reading of his experience at that time. There will be a wreath laying ceremony at the end of the service, to be followed by a musical presentation in the Saltash Memorial Peace Garden given by the Devon and Somerset Ceremonial Unit of pipes and drums.

For further details, contact secretary of the Saltash 1941 Blitz Committee Sue Hooper on 01752 843073 or email [email protected]