City marks long association with Royal Navy

Bad weather changes venue

The close relationship between Plymouth and the Royal Navy has been celebrated, as 150 sailors and Royal Marines took part in a spectacular ceremony and parade in the city on Wednesday.

The event to mark the sixtieth anniversary since the Royal Navy received the Freedom of the City was originally intended to be held at The Piazza on Armada Way in full view of the public, but switched to the Guildhall because of the bad weather.

City councillors and MPs Johnny Mercer (Moor View) and MP Luke Pollard (Sutton and Devonport ) were among those who attended to watch deputy lord mayor Cllr Kathy Watkin (Con, Plymstock Radford) acknowledge the honour and thank the Royal Navy for its work and dedication.

The Plymouth Command of the Royal Navy was granted Freedom of the City in 1963, when sailors marched up to the Hoe.

HM Naval Base Devonport Commander, Brigadier Mike Tanner explained the military’s special relationship with Plymouth, which was followed by a short religious ceremony and music by the Royal Marine Band.

Cllr Wakin said Freedom of the City is the highest civic honour a local authority could bestow and is in recognition not only of the centuries of distinguished service to the crown and nation the Royal Navy had given, but also for “its contribution to the identity of our great city.”

She continued: “As citizens of Plymouth, we are immensely proud of our long and illustrious association with the navy. There has been naval activity in the sound dating back more than 400 years.

“Plymouth and the navy have enjoyed a rich and colourful relationship that has reaped many treasures in many aspects of life in the area including the city’s culture, economy, sport, healthcare, tourism and our people. Our mutual identity is recognised well beyond the Devon border.

“The people of Plymouth have special affection for the Royal Navy, and long may that continue. I would like pay tribute to the dedication, professionalism and courage of our sailors and marines at home and overseas.”

Brigadeer Tanner said it was a privilege to “reaffirm this most prestigious form of recognition” and that Plymouth’s relationship with the navy is much more than a “coalescence of our geography”.

“It’s a rich tapestry of interwoven culture, experience, mutual endeavour and the development of a prosperous future,” he said.

“Over generations the Royal Navy and the people of Plymouth have faced the threat of aggression, we have shared the pain of devastation and loss and found strength in each other’s resilience and courage. We have together rejoiced in victory and together bowed our heads in the solemnity of remembrance.

“Today Plymouth is the heart and home of much of the wider naval community, beyond being a port for our ships and submarines and barracks for our people. We have settled in the city and our families are part of the city. Our children attend local schools and our partners work in the local economy. We choose to settle here when we complete our service to the crown and we enjoy the wonderful hospitality, sporting and leisure opportunities Plymouth has to offer.

“When we say we are proud Green Army supporters, we do not just mean 29 Commando,” he said.

He said that The Royal Navy maybe smaller now than in 1963 when the Freedom of the City was awarded, but it is “increasingly influential and potent”.

“This cannot be achieved without a strong home base and, for a considerable portion of our ships, submarines and commando forces, that will continue to be here in Plymouth and as such this city will continue to play an essential, pivotal role in the Royal Navy and therefore the UK’s global engagement.”

Frontbench Conservative MP Johnny Mercer, who is veterans’ minister in the cabinet, said the military plays a huge role in Plymouth: “HMS Drake is a huge part of the fabric of the city and we are incredibly proud of everything they do; today is an important day and we are pleased to be here.”

Labour’s Luke Pollard said: “The Royal Navy and Royal Marines are such an essential part of our city’s heritage, past, present and future. It is a shame the weather is so atrocious that we can’t be doing this outside but to see the professionalism and seriousness of those who serve is a really important reminder of just how important they are to our city.”

Plymouth city council’s armed forces covenant champion Cllr Pauline Murphy said: “The city of Plymouth is so passionate about its armed forces not just the Royal Navy but all of our armed forces so it’s really, really important that we show our appreciation for what they do.”

Plymouth is one of the world’s largest natural habours and has the second largest population of military veterans in the UK.