TA units receive freedom of city

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TA units receive freedom of city

Two Territorial Army units from Bristol have received the freedom of the city in recognition of their "distinguished and eminent" contribution.

Soldiers from 266 (Gloucestershire Volunteer Artillery) and 57 (City and County of Bristol) Signal Squadron fired a 21-gun salute at noon.

The reservists then paraded from the amphitheatre through to the city centre where they took a salute.

A civic reception at the old council house in Corn Street followed.

'Fixed bayonets'

Soldiers from 266 Battery are based at the Artillery Grounds, Whiteladies Road, and 57 Squadron on Horfield Common.

Freedom of the city of Bristol will give them the historic right to march through the city with "bayonets fixed, drums beating and standard flying".

The ceremonies opened with a royal salute - the firing of 21 guns - at Bristol Amphitheatre.

The reservists, accompanied by cadets and old comrades, marched past the cenotaph and through Anchor Road, St Augustine's Parade and Small Street.

The salute was taken by the Lord Lieutenant of Bristol, Mrs Mary Prior.