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HMS Sherwood parade through Nottingham city streets

Freedom of the City is an honour reserved for very few military groups and gives the unit awarded an opportunity to march through the city awarding the honour, in this case Nottingham on 2 June.

HMS Sherwood reservists taking part in the Freedom of the City event

The parade saw reservists from HMS Sherwood be joined by local Sea Cadets, members the Band of HM Royal Marines, Portsmouth (Royal Band) and veterans who have served with the Royal Navy in years gone by.

The veterans who took part all have an association with Nottingham, either having served on board the previous Type 42 destroyer of the same name, or were attached to HMS Sherwood in the past.

Reservists marched through the city with their swords drawn, bayonets fixed, bands playing and colours flying, as members of the public applauded the spectacle of the military parade as it made its way through the City’s streets.

The tradition of conferring the freedom of a town or city dates from when fortress walls were necessary to protect its inhabitants from outlaw bands and the attacks of feudal lords. Bodies of armed men were often refused entry into the town unless the citizens were confident that they meant no harm.

The granting of permission for an armed body of men to enter a town became a mark of trust and confidence in which the citizens held the unit. To be granted freedom of a town or city is the greatest honour that can be bestowed on a unit within the Armed Forces.

Freedom of the City of Nottingham group image

Lieutenant Commander Rod Grant HMS Sherwood’s Operations Officer helped to organise the event. He explained: “After many months of planning and coordination with Nottingham City Council and other agencies it was great to see the Ship’s Company finally parade through the city which they have been based in for so long.

“Everyone was obviously enjoying themselves and they received a warm welcome from crowds that had taken the time and effort to support their region’s own naval unit”.

Freedom of the City of Nottingham

HMS Sherwood’s Commanding Officer, Commander Rob Noble, said: “This is a great honour for HMS Sherwood. My entire ship’s company are immensely proud to be the recipients of the Freedom of the City of Nottingham. This marks nearly 70 years of Naval Reserve association with the great city of Nottingham and I am sure many more to come.”