Royal Marines and sailors from the Commando’s vital support arm pounded the shower-soaked streets of Barnstaple for the first time.
Personnel from the Commando Logistics Regiment paraded for a little over a mile from the bank of the River Taw on the edge of the small market town to its centre… and back again in a loop.
The regiment provides all the rearward services the Royal Marines require: fuel, engineering support, medics and first-aid posts, ammunition, spare parts – basically anything 3 Commando Brigade needs to sustain itself in the field.
The regiment has been based four miles down the A361 at Chivenor since 1995 but it was only last summer that local politicians decided the moment had come to recognise the unit and all it did for the North Devon economy and community by granting their highest honour: Freedom of the Town.
The march organised by RMB Chivenor and the town council set off from Taw Vale and travelled along the High Street to Mermaid Cross. They then headed down North Walk and Castle Street to the Strand where the salute was taken. Afterwards they headed back to The Square and then on to Taw Vale.
The march was given added impetus by the announcement earlier this year that plans to close Chivenor had been shelved for at least five years as the base was still very much required by the armed forces.
And so there was a good turnout from townsfolk who applauded the green berets and sailors through the heart of Barnstaple.
“Of the units based at Chivenor, the Commando Logistic Regiment has the longest history with Barnstaple and all our Royal Marines, soldiers, sailors and civilian staff are truly grateful for the close relationship and support from the town and local area,” Lieutenant Colonel Aldeiy Alderson, the regiment’s Commanding Officer, told those gathered in Castle Street, where his marchers halted for an inspection and speeches from VIPs.
“Keeping the base open means our men, women and families from all over the UK and Commonwealth can continue to enjoy living here and serving the Crown on your behalf.”
