A BRANCH of the British Army has been granted ‘Freedom of Entry’ to parade through the city of Winchester.

The Royal Logistic Corps, based in Worthy Down, was given the right to carry arms within the city boundaries by the mayor of Winchester, Cllr Angela Clear, on Wednesday, May 17.

Freedom of Entry is an ancient privilege and allows the corps to parade, by permission of the council, through the city to the beat of drums, with swords drawn, bayonets fixed and colours flying.

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Proposing the motion, council leader, Cllr Martin Tod said: “The Royal Logistic Corps has a proud history, as our city has a proud history. While they only recently moved their headquarters to our district, their connections with the city go back much further. I thoroughly recommend a visit to the RLC museum at Worthy Down to learn more – it’s an excellent addition to our area.

“But both the corps and the city council are also looking to the future. We are very fortunate to have such a world-class, innovative and adaptable organisation as a strong new part of our city and district. There is no better way to thank the RLC for their service to this country, the close ties that we are already forming and their commitment to a shared future with our city and district.”

Speaking of the freedom, Col Patrick Allen said: “On behalf of the master general of logistics, it gives me the greatest of pleasures to accept freedom of Winchester, an ancient city from the kingdom of Wessex and the medieval capital of England – you have a long and illustrious association with the military.

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“Our own regiment, the Royal Logistic Corps, remains the largest corps in the British Army, with 14,000 regulars and a veteran community of 30,000, now to be able to call Winchester our permanent regimental home and by being presented the freedom of our city in our 30th year, is a genuine honour. I graciously accept the Freedom of Winchester and will ferociously guard the honour bestowed upon us.”

The Royal Logistic Corps will celebrate its 30th anniversary on Thursday, June 1 with a parade through the city starting from the Peninsula Barracks and forming at the Broadway from 9.30am.

The parade will be live-streamed across the Royal Logistic Corp’s social media platforms.