Fantastic to see HMS Cattistock honoured with the Freedom of Poole – a huge accolade for the Royal Navy and our home town.
Poole Sea Cadets were honoured to be asked to contribute to the main event on Poole Quay and then to march through the Old Town behind the Band of Royal Marines Plymouth.
Lieutenant Jonny Campbell, Commanding Officer of HMS Cattistock, said: “The affiliation between HMS Cattistock and the people of Poole and the village of Cattistock is long established and remains an important link.”
He reminded us [as the 80th anniversary of D-Day fast approaches, and in which Poole played a vital part] that, “In 1944 an earlier ship of the same name protected minesweepers in the days and hours before D-Day in 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 Poole Sea 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 really enjoy visiting our favourite port”.
The Mayor of Poole, Cllr Jo Clements, who is also Patron of Poole Sea Cadets, 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.”
“I was delighted the Poole Charter Trustees formally recognised the Officers and Crew of HMS Cattistock by conferring the Freedom of the Town of Poole – the first ship to be granted this honour.”