With flags flying and celebrations of the bonds between the country and its military, the spirit of Armed Forces Day has been in full effect ahead of today’s national event in Falmouth in Cornwall.
Armed Forces Day is the nation’s chance to show its support to the military, with events from concerts to exhibitions taking places across the country from Aberdare to York.
The aim of the annual celebration could not have better demonstrated than 16 Air Assault Brigade’s Freedom of Colchester parade.
Airborne soldiers marched through the city ‘with swords drawn, bayonets fixed, drums beating, bands playing and Colours flying’ - but also in camouflage and carrying weapons and driving the vehicles they use on operations as the British Army’s global response force.
Led by British Army Band Colchester, it was the first time the freedom has been exercised since Colchester was granted city status as part of Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee, awarded in part due to its 200 years of service as a garrison.
Brigadier Nick Cowley, Commander of 16 Air Assault Brigade, said: “There is a deep and mutually-beneficial relationship between Colchester and 16 Air Assault Brigade. For our soldiers, this parade has been an illustration of the huge support we receive from Colchester, and I hope that will make all of them feel very proud. For the people of Colchester, this has been our way of saying thank you to the city, which provides a launchpad for us to deploy on operations safe in the knowledge that the local community understands what we do and embraces our families.”
For the people of Colchester, this has been our way of saying thank you to the city, which provides a launchpad for us to deploy on operations safe in the knowledge that the local community understands what we do and embraces our families.
2023 has already been a busy year for the brigade, with troops deployed to support earthquake relief efforts in Turkey, evacuate British civilians from Sudan, and training in Norway, Japan, Poland, and Estonia to be ready to respond to global crises alongside our allies.
Private Adam Allwood, a combat medical technician with 16 Medical Regiment, was on parade and deployed on the Sudan evacuation. “Marching through Colchester with hundreds of people cheering us on made me feel really proud and a strong sense of gratitude and appreciation for what we do,” he said.
Marching through Colchester with hundreds of people cheering us on made me feel really proud and a strong sense of gratitude and appreciation for what we do.
“It is a busy and demanding role serving in airborne forces. For Sudan, between being told were going and arriving in the country was about 36 hours and, at first, it was an overwhelming situation. But we were there and able to help people in need, and for me it was rewarding to get overseas and do the job I’ve trained for.”
The Mayor of Colchester, Cllr John Jowers, said: “Colchester is hugely proud to be the home of 16 Air Assault Brigade - these soldiers truly are the best of the best. It is fantastic to see so many people here to represent that pride and support; we should all be very thankful for what the military does for the country and never take it for granted.”
Colchester is hugely proud to be the home of 16 Air Assault Brigade - these soldiers truly are the best of the best.
Find an Armed Forces Day event near you here at www.armedforcesday.org.uk
