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Freedom Parade, Northampton - 25th March
1993 |
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The day dawned clear, ideal for a parade which was to be
proud yet sad. Some 212 personnel from 23 Group and a small
contingent from Germany took part under the command of Lieutenant
Colonel Iain Milne.
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The parade was watched by a
large number of the public from Northampton plus many retired
and senior members of the Corps. The Corps exercised its Freedom
right to march through the town with bayonets fixed and drums
beating. His Royal Highness the Duke of Gloucester GCVO inspected
the parade accompanied by Lieutenant Colonel Milne and afterwards
His Royal Highness and the Mayor took the salute at the march
past led by the band of the Grenadier Guards.
Following the parade the borough hosted the
Corps to a luncheon at which His Royal Highness presented
the borough with a silver table piece on behalf of the officers
of the Corps. The Major Councillor Tero spoke about the event
and the sadness of the departure of the Pioneers from Northampton.
The mark of support received from the borough council can
be be seen below.
It was a splendid day which finished off
with an excellent evening at Turners near the Barracks.
• Pioneers march to the future:
Ptes White and Bishop of 187 Company
RPC in 'close up'
during the Freedom Parade
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The emotions are spent,
the sadness expressed, but as General Sir Hugh Beach said in
a letter "you cannot destroy the history
of the Corps - that will live on". Already evident is a
determination to make things work in the Royal Logistics Corps
in the way Pioneers do best. The Corps has so much to be proud
of with Pioneers in the thick of it in all corners of the world
in peace and war - not the least
of which is Yugoslavia. |
The Corps has quietly got on with business in hand, sometimes
with recognition, often with none at all. A price was paid
and
you will find the graves of Pioneers in most War Cemetaries
overseas - they paid heavily.
Our overseas Pioneers must never be forgotten; they too
gave
their lives and served loyally. The Association will provide
the
focal point for the Royal Pioneer Corps affairs both socially
and supportively. It will need your involvement and encouragement.
• Outside Northampton's Guildhall
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• Parade
Inspection |
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• Parade
march past |
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• HRH The
Duke of
Gloucester inspects the parade |
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• Parade
march past |
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• Parade
Inspection |
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• HRH with
the Mayor of Northampton |
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• Lunchtime
discussion with HRH |
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• Silver
piece on table presented
to the Borough of Northampton |
