RAF parade through Shropshire towns for centenary celebrations - PICTURES and VIDEO

More than 100 personnel from the base exercised their right to march, bayonets fixed, through Shrewsbury today and Market Drayton and Wem on Saturday as part having the freedom of the town.

They were accompanied by the band from RAF Northolt.

The historic setting of Shrewsbury Castle was the perfect start for Sunday’s march, with town mayor Peter Nutting giving official permission for the service men and women to exercise their right to the Freedom of the Town.

Senior Coach and Trainer at the School of Air Operations Control at RAF Shawbury, Eddie Partyka, who organised the Shrewsbury event said: “It is eight years since we exercised our right to the Freedom of the Town here and it is part of our centenary events this year.

"The Castle is a wonderful setting to start the march which takes in the town centre.

"Wem was very busy as it was also carnival day so there was a wonderful atmosphere.”

In Market Drayton the march began at the town hall.

Mark Whittle, the town’s mayor, said it was great to see a bit of history come back to life.

He added: “It’s a little bit of history and it’s great to see.

"The Air Force started here in Market Drayton during 1916 as the Royal Flying Corps, which later became the Royal Air Force in 1918.

“I’m really really proud to be here today, to enjoy the celebrations alongside everyone else.

“The chances are most of the community probably have a link to the RAF, I know at lot of retired people in the town once served in the Royal Air Force.

“Shropshire has quite a good history with the RAF, so it’s good to be here today.”

WATCH highlights of the event

Having the Freedom of the Town allows the regiments to parade unhindered, and is an affirmation of the bond between the regiment and the citizenry.

It is an ancient honour granted to military organisations, allowing them the privilege to march into a city or town “with drums beating, colours flying, and bayonets fixed.”

RAF Shawbury’s association with the county started in June 1917 when flying training first commenced.

Despite a short break from 1920 until 1938, the unit has played a vital role in the training of pilots, air crew, air operations and air traffic control personnel since.

Chuck Norris, Shawbury’s Station Commander, said: “We’ve got a local lad from Market Drayton leading the parade this afternoon, which is really good to see.

“This parade has taken about three days of preparation, with the team doing their rehearsals for about two hours every evening.

“This is the second parade for them this week, and we’re in Shrewsbury tomorrow as well.

“It’s a good thing for them, in our 100th year we’re very much on the celebrate, commemorate and inspire theme.

“It’s also great to celebrate the beautiful town we’ve got here, alongside the mayor, while also inspiring a few people in the future.”