RAF Waddington News

Freedom of Lincoln Parade 2019

FREEDOM OF LINCOLN PARADE 2019 – 60th YEAR 

Service personnel from both RAF Waddington and RAF Scampton marched proudly through Lincoln High Street today exercising their right to the Freedom of the City; an honour which dates to Roman times.  It’s 60 years since RAF Waddington was originally granted the honour and 26 years for RAF Scampton. To mark the occasion more than 70 personnel accompanied by both the RAF Waddington Voluntary Band and the Pipes and Drums of RAF Waddington, formed two armed flights with bayonets fixed, carrying the Standards of 14, 8, V(AC), 13, 54, 56, 51 and 2503 Squadron.  

Freedom of Lincoln Parade
Freedom of Lincoln Parade
Image by:RAF Waddington Photographic Section

Being awarded the Freedom of the City is an ancient honour granted to military organisations giving them the right to enter the city “with drums beating, colours flying, and bayonets fixed”.  

Station Commander at RAF Waddington, Group Captain Tom Burke said: 

“It’s a real privilege to march through the City of Lincoln on this, the 60th anniversary since RAF Waddington was granted the honour. Today’s parade demonstrates the way RAF Waddington Service personnel excel in their professionalism, dedication and pride in the Service and further nurtures our relationship between the City, the Service Community and the people of Lincoln.” 

The parade participants have been busy practicing their drills this week before parading for real in front of RAF Waddington’s Station Commander, Group Captain Tom Burke, RAF Scampton’s Station Commander, Wing Commander James Parker and the Right Worshipful Mayor of Lincoln, Councillor Mr. Keith Weaver

Standards at the Freedom of Lincoln Parade
Caption

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The parade featured a flypast of a Sentinel R1 aircraft flown by V (AC) Squadron RAF Waddington and on display were the Freedom Scrolls originally presented to each Station by the Mayor of Lincoln City. 

 

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