Squadron donates copy of freedom scroll to the Mayor's Parlour

The Squadron was reaffirmed with the Freedom of the Borough honours at this summer’s Armed Forces Day at Himley Hall.

The Mayor re-awarded the borough’s highest recognition to the unit, who are based in Dudley and previously received freedom honours under their former name of The Royal Mercian and Lancastrian Yeomanry in 2010.

This week, representatives from B Squadron including Major JP Astley formally presented the Mayor with his own copy to go on permanent display in the Mayor’s Parlour.

Councillor Pete Lee, the Mayor of Dudley, said:

“I was deeply honoured to take part in June’s Armed Forces Day celebrations and present the B Squadron with their Freedom of the Borough honours. Their support of our Armed Forces Day and remembrance events over the years has been fantastic and they do brilliant work across Dudley borough and beyond.

“I’m grateful to them for this copy of their scroll which serves as a permanent reminder to all visitors to the Mayor’s Parlour of their dedication, past and present.”

Maj JP Astley DL, Officer Commanding, B (S, WWY) Squadron, The Royal Yeomanry , said:

“The Royal Yeomanry are proud of their close relationship with Dudley Council, it means a lot to our soldiers that their service is appreciated and isn't taken for granted. Dudley Council take their commitment to the Military Covenant very seriously and not many Army Reserve units can boast of such a close link.”

Artist Clare Donegan, BEM said:

“I was commissioned to produce the original Roll of Honour artwork for the royal Yeomanry for the occasion of the reconfirming the Freedom of the Borough on the 29 August this year at Himley Hall's Armed Forces Day. The original Roll of Honour is all hand painted and hand written in calligraphy and to date I have completed nearly 80 Rolls of Honour for most of the regiments in the UK and a few regiments around the world.”

Members of the squadron were welcomed by the Mayor and civic dignitaries for a short ceremony, during which they reflected on the regiment’s proud heritage and its deep-rooted connection to the local area.

The Freedom of the Borough is one of the highest honours a local authority can bestow, allowing the regiment to march through the town with bayonets fixed, drums beating, and colours flying.

The Royal Yeomanry continues to serve as a vital part of the Army Reserve, with deep roots in the Midlands and a proud tradition of service both at home and abroad.