Colchester honours Air Assault Brigade in Freedom of the City parade

Ahead of Armed Forces Day on Saturday, the 16 Air Assault Brigade marched up the High Street in front of large crowds, with some soldiers marching in ceremonial uniform and battledress.

Armed – troops from some regiments marched clad in camouflage paint and holding weaponry (Image: Daniel Rees, Newsquest)

Large military vehicles also made their way up the High Street as part of Thursday’s parade, as did the British Army Band Colchester.

Soldiers then saluted the 16 Air Assault Brigade commander, Nick Cowley, and mayor John Jowers, who took office last month.

Battledress – some soldiers were camouflaged during Thursday's parade (Image: 16 Air Assault Brigade)

As well as being a display of Colchester’s military identity, Commander Cowley said the parade was a show of the high regard in which the general public holds the 16 Air Assault Brigade.

Calling the shots – Commander Nick Cowley salutes the marching troops (Image: Daniel Rees, Newsquest)

He said: “A lot of people feel very proud of their army across Britain, but in Colchester people feel very proud of the brigade and their connection with airborne forces.

“A lot of people have connections with someone who has served, but people also want to come and say thank you for what the young men and women parading through today have done by signing up to serve their country."

Onward – troops from the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers and Air Assault Support Regiment march down the High Street (Image: Daniel Rees, Newsquest)

Commander Cowley added also explained how the Freedom of the City parade remains important in 2023.

Proud – two teenagers from the Gilberd School's combined cadet force stand in readiness for the parade (Image: Daniel Rees, Newsquest)

“Historically, it was important because it was a way of cities showing they trusted their armed forces and thank them for what they’ve done.

Recognition – former Colchester Mayor Tim Young shakes hands with a member of the armed forces (Image: Daniel Rees, Newsquest)

“That remains important now, but it’s important for us to connect with the public and make sure that people in Britain realise that the army is their army, we recruit from the public, and we are part of the public.

Salute – the leader of the British Army Band Colchester salutes Commander Nick Cowley and Mayor John Jowers (Image: 16 Air Assault Brigade)

“It’s a very visual display of that connection between the community and their military.”

School trip – St John's Green Primary School pupils were full of excitement before soldiers marched past (Image: Daniel Rees, Newsquest)

Mayor John Jowers added: “The Freedom of the City parade is a recognition of the vital part the garrison plays in this city, and it always has.

Watching on – members of various batallions stand opposite the Town Hall (Image: Daniel Rees, Newsquest)

“The British Army is the best in the world, and the 16 Air Assault Brigade is the best of the best.”