Whitby Town Council has awarded its highest civic honour to the Corps of Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (REME) and will celebrate with a Freedom Parade this summer.
A Freedom Parade will be held in Whitby to mark the conferral of its highest civic honour upon the Corps of Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers.
Whitby Town Council has conferred the Honorary Freedom of the Town of Whitby upon the Corps of Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (REME), with a special Freedom Parade to be held this summer.
The civic ceremony will take place in Whitby on Saturday, July 25, involving serving REME personnel, civic representatives, veterans’ organisations, invited guests, residents, and visitors.
The decision was made at a specially convened Extraordinary Meeting of Whitby Town Council held on Tuesday, June 9.
The Town Mayor of Whitby, Cllr Sandra Turner, said:
“Whitby has a long and proud relationship with the Armed Forces, and it is entirely fitting that the council should recognise the distinguished service of REME in this way.
“The Corps has not only served the country with dedication but has also built a meaningful and lasting connection with our town through remembrance, civic participation, and community support.”
She added:
The granting of the Honorary Freedom of the Town is the highest honour Whitby Town Council can bestow.
“It is a mark of our gratitude, respect, and continuing friendship with REME, and I look forward to the people of Whitby having the opportunity to show their appreciation at the Freedom Parade and civic ceremony.”
The Honorary Freedom of the Town is the highest civic honour that can be bestowed by Whitby Town Council.
The resolution formally placed on record the council’s high appreciation of, and gratitude for, REME’s distinguished service, its contribution to the defence of the United Kingdom, and its enduring relationship with Whitby.
The honour also grants REME the right, privilege, honour, and distinction of marching through the town on ceremonial occasions with colours flying, bands playing, drums beating, and bayonets fixed.
REME was formed in 1942 and is responsible for maintaining, recovering, and repairing tanks, vehicles, weapons, and equipment. Its personnel have served with distinction across the world and continue to play a vital role in supporting the operational effectiveness of the British Army.
The Corps has maintained a strong and continuing association with Whitby through its participation in civic, ceremonial, and remembrance events, including the town’s annual Remembrance Sunday Parade.
REME’s association with Whitby is reflected “not only in its participation in civic and remembrance events, but also in its continuing tributes at Heroes Bridge on the West Pier”, the council said.
The bridge is dedicated to local serviceman Craftsman Andrew Found, who served with REME and was tragically killed in Afghanistan, and Corporal Damien Lawrence, of 2 Yorks, who was also sadly killed in Afghanistan.
Whitby is also the resting place of Warrant Officer Class 1 John Thomas Buck, a local man who served with REME for many years.
REME personnel have also supported the wider community through educational and voluntary activities, including work with Whitby School and community-based activities such as beach cleans and litter picks.
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