RAF Parade
RAF POLICE HOMECOMING PARADE THROUGH BEDFORD: SUNDAY 22
MAY 2011
On Sunday 22nd May, more than 100 Royal Air Force Police personnel
will march through Bedford as they mark their return home from
serving on operations around the World.
At the invitation of Bedford Borough Council, this will be the
largest number of RAF Police ever to take part in a homecoming
parade, and their first through Bedford since 1993.
Bedford is the recognised hometown for RAF Henlow, the
Headquarters for the RAF Police, and the parade provides an
opportunity for Bedford and people in the surrounding area to thank
and pay respects to the personnel taking part on Sunday.
More than half of the men and women taking part have returned
from Op HERRICK, representing the many different roles undertaken
by the RAF Police in Afghanistan. The parade will include RAF
Police Reservist personnel and four Military Working Dogs, who will
follow the Band of the RAF Regiment as it leads them through
Bedford town centre.
Parade Details
On Sunday the Parade will set off from Bedford School, De Parys
Avenue at 11.30am and head to the High Street, reaching the
saluting dais in front of the John Howard statue at 11.50am in St.
Pauls’ Square, and finishing in Harpur Square. The Lord Lieutenant,
the Mayor of Bedford Borough and the Assistant Chief of the Air
Staff will receive the Parade salute. This will be followed by a
blessing from the RAF Padre and a short address by The Lord
Lieutenant and the Assistant Chief of the Air Staff.
It is expected that representatives from the Royal British
Legion, RAF Association, RAF Police Association, 134 (Bedford) Sqn
Air Cadets and Bedford School CCF will be pre-positioned along the
route.
Along with the Mayor, civic and military dignitaries will
include Lord Stevens, the former Commissioner of the Metropolitan
Police and Honorary Air Commodore for No. 3 (Royal Auxiliary Air
Force) Squadron, Tactical Police Wing, RAF Henlow.
Mayor of Bedford Borough Dave Hodgson commented:
“Bedford is extremely proud to host the RAF Police’s Homecoming
Parade and I hope people turn out to show them their support as
they march through the town.”