Serving members of the army are set to march through Wokingham later this year.
The Corps of the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (REME) was granted the freedom of Wokingham in 1978 when they were based in Arborfield.
REME is the maintenance arm of the British army, often described as the “British Army’s professional engineers”
They relocated to MoD Lyneham in 2015, and until that time, Wokingham had a military presence for more than a century, starting with an Army Remount Service at Arborfield in 1904 which supplied horses for the army.
There has always been strong support for REME within Wokingham, and they have been a part of many military parades over the years, particularly Remembrance Sunday.
On Sunday, October 26, the parade will assemble in Market Place at 10.30am before being presented to the parade inspection party.
There will be two battalions of troops, along with a 40-piece military band, and a 120 strong contingent of REME regulars, reserves, cadets and veterans.
They will exercise their Freedom of Wokingham by marching through the town, along Rose Street and Paech Street joining back up at Market Place for speeches, presentations and the National Anthem.
Cllr Adrian Betteridge, who was formerly a lieutenant colonel in REME station at Arborfield, told Wokingham Today that the event marks the 10th anniversary of REME leaving Arborfield.
He added that he’s received a lot of interest in the event, especially from residents in Arborfield.
Alongside the parade, Market Place will host stalls, military vehicles and the corps’ engagement team demonstrating 3D printing, drones and more.
The event is being supported by both Wokingham town council and Wokingham borough council.
The Wokingham branch of the Royal British Legion will also be using the event to launch its local Rememberence Day fundraising.
