Freedom of Poole celebrations for Royal Navy warship TODAY
A parade's being held to honour HMS Cattistock's connections to Dorset
A Royal Navy Warship is being granted the Freedom of Poole today (Saturday 4th May).
The entire Ships Company of HMS Cattistock will be part of a parade through the town to mark the occasion.
They'll be led by The Band of His Majesty’s Royal Marines Plymouth, with local sea cadet, veteran and naval associations also marching through the streets.
The ship will be docked in Poole Quay for the event, with the parade going from The Quay, up the High Street to Lagland Street and back from 2.00pm.
HMS Cattistock's affiliated to Poole and to its name sake village near Dorchester.
The ship is a minehunter and its crew help clear the seas of hidden dangers.
Lieutenant Commander Jonny Campbell, Commanding Officer of HMS Cattistock, said:
“The affiliation between HMS Cattistock and the people of Poole and village of Cattistock is long established and remains an important link.
“In 1944 an earlier Ship of the same name protected minesweepers in the days and hours before D-Day at Normandy, and now it is us who hunt and clear mines to protect our country. We have always been warmly welcomed by Poole and hugely enjoy visiting to see our friends including cadets, schools and the maritime community.
“I am really pleased that the Ship can visit again and maintain the link between the British people and the Royal Navy. We cannot wait to return to our favourite port.”
The Mayor of Poole, Cllr Jo Clements said:
“The Royal Navy has always had a proud history of service in Poole and in 2010 the former Borough of Poole adopted HMS Cattistock as their Ship and have enjoyed a close working relationship over the last decade.
“The officers and crew have regularly supported Poole’s Annual Service of Remembrance as well as forging strong links with the town’s uniformed youth and veteran groups.
“When operationally possible the ship’s company have also hosted visits from the Poole Sea Cadets, the RNLI Lifeboat volunteers and local veteran associations, demonstrating their commitment to fully engage with the community and residents of Poole.
“I am delighted that on Saturday 4 May 2024 the Poole Charter Trustees will be formally admitting the Officers and Crew of HMS Cattistock the Freedom of the Town of Poole, the first ship to be granted this honour.”