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HMS Sherwood set to exercise Freedom of the City

The official parade will see 58 reservists from HMS Sherwood be joined on parade by local Sea Cadets, the Band of HM Royal Marines, Portsmouth (Royal Band) and veteran’s who have served with the Royal Navy in years gone by.

The veterans taking 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.

Members of the public are invited to see the military parade, with the ceremonial element of the event taking place in the Market Square.

Lieutenant Commander Rod Grant from HMS Sherwood has taken a lead role in organising the event. He said: “We will be marching through the city with our swords drawn, bayonets fixed, bands playing and colours flying. We encourage the public to line the streets as we make our way through the city both before and after the ceremonial event in Nottingham’s Market Square.

“Receiving the accolade of Freedom of the City is a rare honour, with HMS Sherwood being only the seventh RNR unit to receive the award.”

Councillor Brian Grocock, Nottingham City Council’s Armed Forces Champion, said: “As a City we are immensely proud of HMS Sherwood and honouring the unit with the Freedom of the City is our way of showing our gratitude. This is the oldest and highest civic honour we can bestow on a military unit and gives them the opportunity to march through Nottingham. Something I know residents, business owners and visitors will be proud to see.

“We are pleased to have HMS Sherwood as part of our broader community and value the service they make to the East Midlands, to Nottingham and to our country. The parade will be an opportunity to acknowledge their history and the role they have in keeping our country safe.”