Freedom of Poole for HMS Cattistock

Sailors and Royal Marines have paraded through the streets of Poole in Dorset, in celebration of the Royal Navy’s HMS Cattistock being granted the freedom of the Borough of Poole.

Over 70 service personnel from HMS Cattistock and The Band of His Majesty’s Royal Marines Band Plymouth, exercised their freedom by marching around the streets of Poole with ‘Drums Beating, Bayonets Fixed and Colours Flying’.

Being awarded the Freedom of a Town or City is the highest honour that can bestow upon one of His Majesty’s ships or a formed military unit, by a civic authority and is rarely given. 

A Hunt Class Minehunter, HMS Cattistock is affiliated to the town of Poole and the village of Cattistock, near Dorchester, and was berthed alongside Poole Quay where The Mayor of Poole, Councillor Jo Clements presented the Ship’s Casket Party with the Freedom Scroll. 

Following the presentation the entire ships company, led by the Royal Marine’s band marched a circular route through the town, parading along The Quay past HMS Cattistock, up the High Street and back to the departure point. 

Lieutenant Commander Jonny Campbell, the Commanding Officer said: “The affiliation between HMS Cattistock and the people of Poole and village of Cattistock is long established and remains an important link,”

“In 1944 an earlier Ship of the same name protected minesweepers in the days and hours before D-Day at Normandy, and now it is us who hunt and clear mines to protect our country. We have always been warmly welcomed by Poole and hugely enjoy visiting to see our friends including cadets, schools and the maritime community. 

“I am really pleased that the Ship can visit again and maintain the link between the British people and the Royal Navy. We cannot wait to return to our favourite port.”

The Mayor of Poole, Cllr Jo Clements said: “The Royal Navy has always had a proud history of service in Poole and in 2010 the former Borough of Poole adopted HMS Cattistock as their Ship and have enjoyed a close working relationship over the last decade.

“The officers and crew have regularly supported Poole’s Annual Service of Remembrance as well as forging strong links with the town’s uniformed youth and veteran groups. 

“When operationally possible the ship’s company have also hosted visits from the Poole Sea Cadets, the RNLI Lifeboat volunteers and local veteran associations, demonstrating their commitment to fully engage with the community and residents of Poole.

“I am delighted that on Saturday 4 May 2024 the Poole Charter Trustees will be formally admitting the Officers and Crew of HMS Cattistock the Freedom of the Town of Poole, the first ship to be granted this honour.”