Army Commandos mark royal birthday

A 21-gun salute echoed over Plymouth on Monday from the mighty firearms of the Army Commandos of the Royal Citadel today.

The guns were fired by a battery from the ramparts of the Royal Citadel in Plymouth in honour of the Prince of Wales birthday as 29 Commando were reviewed by the Lord Mayor of Plymouth.

Councillor Pauline Murphy accepted the invitation of the Commanding Officer of 29 Commando to inspect his force of gunners and to witness the birthday salute.

Lieutenant Colonel Cresswell, 29 Commando commanding officer, presented his guest with an engraved cartridge case which was fired by the gunners during a ceremony on Plymouth Hoe earlier this year to mark the the 100th anniversary of the Battle of Somme.

Lt Col Cresswell fired the last round of the 21-gun salute as his final act in charge as he leaves his command to take up another job in west Africa.

He said, “The review celebrates our links to the city and our desire to be part of the life of Plymouth. My time as the commanding officer of this remarkable fortress and this outstanding regiment is now complete.

"I have loved every minute of every hour of every day here and thank the city for its support of our commando gunners and for the honour of playing an active part in civic and community life.’’

Councillor Murphy said, “It has been a great honour to be here and see the gunners fire their royal birthday salute. The unit has embraced its role as central to Plymouth community life and engaged fully with everyone. I hope they will be staying in Plymouth when they move out of their home here when the Citadel is sold off.’’