HMS Raleigh to Exercise Its Right to Freedom of Torpoint

HMS Raleigh will exercise its right to the Freedom of Torpoint on Sunday 22 September with a 350-strong march through the streets of the town.

The Royal Navy training establishment was first granted the right to march through Torpoint with ‘swords drawn, bayonets fixed, drums beating, bands playing and Colours flying’ in 1997.

This year’s parade will consist of a Guard of Honour formed by recruits in the penultimate week of their 10 week initial naval training course. They will be joined by 10 platoons made up of Royal Navy personnel of all ranks and trainees at varying stages of training.

The parade will be led by the Band of Her Majesty’s Royal Marines Commando Training Centre Royal Marines.

Captain Bob Fancy, the Commanding Officer of HMS Raleigh, said:

“In medieval times Freedom of entry to a town or city was granted to bands of armed forces as a symbol of trust. It is therefore one of the highest honours that can be bestowed upon any military unit and we feel very privileged to be recognised by the local community in this way.

“For the majority of our recruits it will be the first time that they have taken part in any public event, so for them in particular, this will be a very proud occasion.”

Among those taking part are a number of sailors who have made their home in Torpoint, including Lieutenant Andy Young, who is one of HMS Raleigh’s Divisional Training Officers. The 28-year-old, who is originally from Tavistock, will be leading the Guard of Honour said,

“I’ve taken part in November Ceremonies before in Gosport, but a Freedom parade here in the West Country is new for me and quite special; there’s something different about leading a Guard, marching past your friends and family.

“For the recruits in the Guard, it’s a great experience before passing out next week in front of their families. It’s not often that they will parade with the Colours, so they can overcome their nerves and really get on the heel with some extra style and panache.”

The parade will start at the top of Antony Road at 10.45 am and march to the ferry lanes where the Mayor of Torpoint, Councillor Mike Pearn, will inspect the parade. Councillor Pearn said:

“HMS Raleigh is a key part of Torpoint, providing major employment for our civilian population. Since the base first opened in 1939, the town and the establishment have formed a strong bond which continues to grow and develop.

“HMS Raleigh has put Torpoint on the map as far as the Royal Navy is concerned. Every Rating and a lot of Officers will have started their career here. Families regularly come through the town from far and wide to attend their loved ones passing-out-parade. I’d urge the population of Torpoint to come out on the day to show their appreciation and support.”

On completion of the inspection, the parade will march through the streets again, past the Royal British Legion in Antony Road, where the Mayor will take the salute.

Since being granted Freedom of entry in 1997, HMS Raleigh has exercised the right to march on a biennial basis, with the last time being in 2011.

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Press Release, September 19, 2013; Image: Royal Navy