REPRESENTATIVES of a squadron key to the country's success in the Battle of Britain will be honoured during the RAF's centenary.

A motion to go before the district council next week calls for Wing Commander Matthew Fleckney MA RAF to receive the Freedom of the District on behalf of the 56 Squadron.

The squadron first found a home at North Weald Airfield in 1927, taking off in its Hawker Hurricane's at the outbreak of WWII in 1939 and covering the retreat from Dunkirk.

It would be one of the first squadrons committed to defending London from aerial assault during the Battle of Britain.

While the 56th left North Weald in June 1941, the RAF would forever be associated with the district following its departure.

Further wartime airfields were established at Stapleford Abbots and Willingale, The Balloon Site at Chigwell provided a base for intelligence units and barrage balloons, Blake Hall near Ongar had become a base of RAF operations and a ‘dummy’ airfield at Nazeing was established to draw the Luftwaffe bombers away from their real targets.

If two thirds of the council approve the motion, the squadron will receive freedom of the district and centre in a parade in North Weald on June 10.

A council report into the proposals reads: "At the request of 56 Squadron ... it is proposed that serving and former members of 56 Squadron escorted by the Epping Forest Pipe Band, exercise the right to parade through North Weald Bassett from the Village Hall to the Airfield Gate Guardian via the Airfield Memorial and Debt of Honour.

"Rolling road closures will minimise disruption to traffic flow during the march from the Village Hall to the Gate Guardian.

"On arrival at the Airfield, members of 56 Squadron will be greeted by the Chairman of

Epping Forest District Council and other Civic Dignitaries."

Following a parade inspection, residents will be invited to enjoy an afternoon of picnics and musical entertainment.