Wrexham and Dragon are one and the same – destroyer basks in civic honour

Watched by local dignitaries and residents the crew of the Type 45 destroyer marched through the heart of the city centre on a fine summer’s morning before being hosted at an official reception to cement the bond.

The ship was adopted by Wrexham last summer and civic leaders promptly bestowed their highest honour upon the Portsmouth-based warship and her ship’s company.

Their hectic schedule – which included a milestone first takedown of a supersonic missile by the Royal Navy during NATO exercises off the coast of northwest Scotland in May – has prevented the ship’s company from exercising their right until now, although some sailors were able to take part in Wrexham’s Remembrance events.

Since then, when Dragon’s demanding programme has allowed, the 200-strong ship’s company have been preparing for the hometown visit, including undertaking specific drill training to reach the highest standards required for the march.

Ahead of the parade the ranks were inspected by Wrexham’s Mayor Councillor Tina Mannering, who will also take the salute of the marching sailors at Queen’s Square alongside Commanding Officer Commander Iain Giffin.

“There is no greater honour that a city can bestow than the Freedom of the City and I humbled that Wrexham has extended this privilege to HMS Dragon,” Commander Giffin said.  

“This is a proud moment for HMS Dragon and a fitting opportunity to demonstrate the professionalism of our sailors, marching in full ceremonial dress, with drums beating, flags flying and bayonets fixed, as a mark of respect and gratitude to the people of Wrexham.”

The Mayor of Wrexham, Councillor Tina Mannering, said: “It’s a tremendous honour to take the salute of the sailors as they march through the city. It’s been a fantastic occasion celebrating our wonderful partnership with HMS Dragon.”

Armed Forces Champion, Councillor Beverley Parry-Jones, added: “Wrexham has always been proud of its links with the armed services and it’s been wonderful to welcome the crew to the county borough, so they can celebrate the Freedom of the City.

“HMS Dragon is the first ship affiliated with Wrexham since World War 2, and we are tremendously proud of this very special relationship.”

The sailors marched onto Llwyn Isaf green (outside the Guildhall) for a series of formalities – not least bestowing the freedom scroll – and warm words were exchanged before the sailors marched through the city centre to the strains of HM Royal Marines Band.

Commander Giffin said he could think of no more suitable city to take his ship under its wing given there was no escape from dragon symbols in the city – from the three mythical creatures on the civic coat of arms to giant murals and the football club’s mascot.

“The Dragon is everywhere in this city. Everywhere you look in this city, you see dragons and Wrexham and Dragon are one and the same.

Whilst the affiliation between Wrexham and HMS Dragon is only 14 months old, I’ve been blown away by the interest and the engagement shown by the councillors and the citizens of the borough.”