PICTURE GALLERY: Isle Wight Troop, 266 Port Squadron (Sqn) has formally been given honorary freedom of the Island in recognition of its distinguished record and eminent service to Queen and country.
A motion approving the admission to the honour – in accordance with Section 249 (5) of the Local Government Act 1972 – was proposed by council chairman Councillor Charles Chapman, seconded by the council’s armed forces champion Councillor Ian Ward, and approved by members at a meeting of the Full Council on Wednesday (25th November).
The motion acknowledged the ‘bond of friendship’ that has existed between the soldiers of 266 Port Sqn – formerly of the Isle of Wight Rifles – and the people of the Island for many years, and marks the commemoration this year of the centenary of the Gallipoli campaign in which members of the ‘Rifles’ played a major role during the First World War.
The squadron are part of 165 Port and Maritime Regiment, Royal Logistic Corps (RLC).
The freedom is conferred on the Troop and its officers, warrant officers, non-commissioned officers and serving soldiers – and awards “the distinction of marching through the streets of the Island on all ceremonial occasions with swords drawn, bayonets fixed, drums beating, bands playing and colours flying”.
A special ceremony was held in St Thomas Square in Newport this lunchtime (Saturday) which saw a parade of the local troop and band march from Drill Hall Road, down through the town via the High Street before being inspected by Major General Martin White, the Island’s Lord Lieutenant.
Despite the weather the crowds lined the streets and applauded the troops, who are the first soldiers to march through an Island town with bayonets fixed since World War II.
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