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Nottingham bus named after Royal Naval Reserve unit

HMS Sherwood were recently granted the Freedom of the City of Nottingham by Nottingham City Council and exercised this right for the first time earlier today (2 June), the same day the new re-named bus has been unveiled.

Nottingham City Transport has had a commitment to employing ex-Service personnel and reservists for a number of years and used the newly named bus to transport the reservists taking part in the Freedom Parade into the city centre.

Reservists with the bus outside their HQ in Chilwell, Nottingham

The unveiling of the bus took place HMS Sherwood’s HQ on Swiney Way, Chilwell, Nottingham. The bus displays its new name on the front and inside the vehicle,  including HMS Sherwood’s crest.

Petty Officer Andrew Maltby serves with HMS Sherwood and also works in Nottingham City Transport’s Operations Centre and Radio Room. Speaking ahead of the Freedom of the City event, he said: “I am actually taking part in the march through the city so I will be extremely proud on two counts on the day. One to be representing my unit in the parade and for knowing I played a part in naming the new bus that transported my reservist colleagues into the city on such an important day.”

Anthony Carver-Smith, NCT Marketing Manager added: “Nottingham City Transport has been a dedicated supporter of the Armed Forces community for a number of years, with a number of employees past and present being either a reservist or service personnel, so it seemed fitting to name a bus after Nottingham’s only Royal Naval Reserve unit in recognition of being granted freedom of Nottingham.”

Reservists with the bus titled HMS Sherwood

HMS Sherwood’s official parade saw 58 reservists from the unit joined in the City 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.