WELSH Royal Naval Reservists from HMS Cambria will march through Holton Road, in Barry, this Saturday, January 18.
The march is a symbol of gratitude to Barry and the Vale of Glamorgan for its valuable support and friendship spanning more than 40 years and comes prior to the units move to Cardiff Bay in May 2020.
More than 60 members of Wales’s only maritime reserve unit, together with a ceremonial guard, will march from King Square to the Civic Offices, led by the Band of Her Majesty’s Royal Marines Commando Training Centre, Lympstone.
Holton Road will be closed from 10.30am to 12.30pm.
The Farewell Parade will be attended by the Lord Lieutenant of South Glamorgan, Morfudd Meredith, Vale mayor, Cllr Christine Cave, Barry mayor, Cllr Margaret Wilkinson, and the High Sherriff, Dr Isabel Graham.
Other attendees include, deputy commander maritime reserves, captain David Teasdale RNR and several other civic dignitaries from across the region and past commanding officers of HMS Cambria.
HMS Cambria was awarded the Freedom of the County of the Vale of Glamorgan in April 2012.
The Freedom of a County is the highest civic honour that can be bestowed upon a military unit and is considered a mark of trust.
Commanding officer of HMS Cambria, Steve Fry said his ship’s company were looking forward to the farewell parade through Barry.
Cdr Fry said: “My sailors are extremely honoured to march and show their gratitude to the Vale of Glamorgan.
“This year will see us move into a multi-million pound building in the heart of Cardiff Docks, and place the Royal Navy and the Maritime Reserves in Wales centre stage.
“Our relationship with the Vale and the town of Barry has been excellent and strengthened with nearly forty years of being located here.
“We very much intend to maintain these strong links.”
Vale council cabinet member and armed forces champion, Cllr Eddie Williams said: “We are delighted to welcome Royal Naval Reservists from HMS Cambria and other members of the military to Barry for this Farewell Parade and wish the unit well on relocation to their new site.
“Awarding the Freedom of the County Borough is a symbol of our trust and confidence in HMS Cambria and we are honoured by this show of appreciation.”
Deputy commander Maritime Reserves, Cpt Teasdale - the senior Royal Navy officer attending, said: “It is very important that we remember and acknowledge the strong links built up with Barry and all the support the local community has given the ship’s company over many years.
“On behalf of the headquarters and commander Maritime Reserves, I am extremely grateful for that support.”
New HMS Cambria in Cardiff Bay
Commander Steve Fry (centre) with sailors from HMS Cambria
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