Royal Engineers march to commemorate 75th anniversary of freedom of Ripon

Yesterday’s march marked the milestone of 75 years since 21 Engineer Regiment of the Royal Engineers was awarded the Freedom of the City of Ripon.

Some 160 soldiers based at the city's Claro Barracks took part in the parade from Spa Gardens.

It went past the town hall and down Kirkgate to Ripon Cathedral where they attended a service of celebration, which also featured the installation of Councillor Sid Hawke as mayor.

 The parade was led by the Nottinghamshire Band of the Royal Engineers.

Also in the parade was the Adjutant of 21 Engineer Regiment, Eddie Thompson, who rode behind the main procession on his 25-year-old horse Merlin. 

They, along with members of the RIpon Branch of the Royal Engineers Association and sappers, formed a guard of honour for civic dignitaries attending the church service and mayoral installation. 

Our photo below shows the mayor and his deputy Councillor Jackie Crozier arriving at the cathedral. The one below it shows him chatting to soldiers outside the town hall.

On Saturday, as part of their freedom weekend, the Royal Engineers gave members of the public an insight to their work, with displays of military hardware and skills on Market Square. Their rapid construction of a medium girder over bridge attracted a lot of attention.

A video of the march is available on the Stray Ferret Facebook page.