Members of the Royal Marines Reserve (City of London) have been awarded the Freedom of the Borough of Wandsworth in South West London.
At a ceremony attended by Community leaders from Wandsworth and the Commandant General Royal Marines (CGRM) Major General Robert Magowan CBE, over 160 Reservists, RM Cadets and RM Veterans exercised their right to march through the Borough, accompanied by the Band of the Royal Marines, “With drums beating, Colours flying and Bayonets fixed".
During the special parade, citizens and well-wishers lined the route of the usually busy town centre - brought to a complete standstill for the afternoon. The Mayor of Wandsworth, Councillor Richard Field formally offered the Freedom of the Borough to the Royal Marines, presenting them with a Freedom Scroll to honour the occasion.
The Mayor also said the unit fully deserved this highest of civic privileges. “This award pays tribute to the bravery and dedication of these volunteers who have served their nation with great distinction, as part of this famous and historic Royal Naval force.
"We are immensely proud to be associated with them.”
In response, Lieutenant Colonel Ed Moorhouse RM who commands RMR City of London said, “It is a great privilege that has been bestowed upon the Royal Marines Reserve City of London by the granting and exercising of the Freedom of the Borough of Wandsworth.
Since arriving in the borough in 2011, we have had unfaltering support from the borough council and its local residents. We are hugely proud of being part of Wandsworth.
“The Royal Marines Reserves is an integral part of the Royal Marines, the nation’s at-readiness force. The RMR is a multi-faceted reserve providing 3 Commando Brigade, the Fleet and wider Defence with commando trained and specialist Royal Marines.”
Tightly bonded with their regular Royal Marine counterparts, the RMR complete the same gruelling Commando course and serve alongside on the same operations and training exercises.
Lt Col Ed Moorhouse added, “Over the last five years members of RMR City of London have deployed to the Middle East and in support of the Fleet on operations as well as trained around the world from the jungles of Central America to the Arctic Circle.
"We are an integrated and dynamic reserve force that supports the regular Royal Marines and Royal Navy. They remain ready to meet the complex operational and environmental challenges of the 21st Century.”
