Historic bonds between Peterborough and Royal Air Force Wittering will be celebrated when the famous Station exercises the Freedom of the City on Tuesday 14 May.
Image By: SAC Kim Waterson
Two columns of RAF personnel will march through the centre of Peterborough in dress uniform with musical support from the band of the Royal Air Force College. Although granted by the City Council on 5 January 1983, the Freedom of Peterborough was first exercised on 23 April 1983.
Image By: SAC Kim Waterson
Freedom of the City is an ancient sign of trust given by towns and cities to nearby military organisations allowing them to march through with drums beating, flags flying and bayonets fixed. It is also an expression of pride for both the City of Peterborough and RAF Wittering.
Wing Commander Mike Ainsworth will be the senior Royal Air Force officer at the parade. He said: “The people of Peterborough have been great friends to RAF Wittering. Many personnel live in the city and raise their families there too. It is only right that we say thank you to Peterborough for all it has given us over the years.”
In 1983, when the freedom of Peterborough was first exercised, RAF Wittering was known as the ‘Home of the Harrier’. Today the Station trains the next generation of Royal Air Force pilots and is home to the deployable engineering and logistics squadrons that support UK air operations across the globe.
Rehearsals for the parade are well underway at RAF Wittering. Despite the chilly morning air, a team of drill instructors and the parade personnel are practising every turn and step until they are inch-perfect and precisely synchronised.
Image By SAC Kim Waterson
Warrant Officer Hywel Greening is the Station Warrant Officer at Royal Air Force Wittering. Mr Greening said: “Even after the rehearsals and their day’s work, our men and women will be making sure their shoes are gleaming and their uniforms are clean and properly pressed. Wherever you are parading and whatever the occasion, people deserve the best parade you can give them.”
Over 60 uniformed personnel will take part in the parade. In addition to the airmen and women, there will be a scroll-bearer, flight commanders, an adjutant, and an overall parade commander. Anyone who would like to watch the parade should be on Bridge Street or Cathedral Square at around 10:20 am on Tuesday 14 May.
Image By SAC Kim Waterson
Wing Commander Ainsworth concluded: “The people of Peterborough make us welcome every time we parade in the city. Knowing we have the goodwill and pride of our neighbours makes all the difference these days and we will give them a parade worth remembering.”
