ROYAL ENGINEERS TO PARADE THROUGH NEWBURY ON SATURDAY 28 JUNE
Newbury will proudly host a ceremonial Armed Forces Day parade by the Corps of Royal Engineers on Saturday 28th June as they exercise their Freedom of the Town with a traditional march, to celebrate the 200th anniversaries of three of the Regular squadrons from 42 Engineer Regiment (Geographic).
Their proud histories range from formation to undertake the Survey of Ireland, to significant involvement in the Boer War, World Wars I & II, the Cold War, the Falklands Conflict, and, more recently, operations in the Balkans, Iraq, Afghanistan and Estonia.
The event will feature the Royal School of Military Survey, 42 Engineer Regiment (Geographic), Veterans from the Military Survey (Geographic) Branch of the Royal Engineers Association, and the Nottinghamshire Band of the Royal Engineers. The parade will step off from Pelican Lane at 10:30am, proceeding to the Market Place with “drums beating, band playing and due ceremonial.”
A formal review of the parade will take place at 11:00am by His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Berkshire, Andrew Try Esq, the Mayor of Newbury, Cllr David Harman, and the Commander Royal Engineers (Geographic), Colonel Alex Harris.
The parade will conclude with a march through the streets of Newbury, following a final “General salute” and three cheers from the assembled troops and Veterans.
The Mayor of Newbury, Cllr David Harman said, “It will be an honour to host this red-letter day for the town of Newbury. Our long and friendly relationship with the Royal Engineers culminated in the granting of the Freedom of the Town in 1997, and we are proud to celebrate that ongoing bond. The presence of the Royal Engineers in Newbury is a valued part of our civic life, and I warmly invite residents and visitors alike to come and share in this very special occasion.”
The parade brings together other members of the Armed Forces family connected to Newbury: with the Newbury Royal British Legion and the Newbury Sea Cadets supporting the parade, and SSAFA, the Armed Forces Charity, conducting a charity collection.
All are encouraged to attend and witness this display of military tradition and community pride. This event honours the strong ties between Newbury and the Corps of Royal Engineers and celebrates their longstanding service and connection with the town.
Contact:
Jo Aylott, Civic Manager mayor@newbury.gov.uk
