April 19, 2016 8.43 am This story is over 95 months old

RAF airmen to march through Lincoln in centenary parade

Airmen based at RAF Waddington and RAF Scampton will march through Lincoln together for the first time to mark 100 years since both bases were built. Both RAF Scampton and RAF Waddington have been granted the Freedom of the City of Lincoln, giving them the right to march through the city “with bayonets fixed, bands…

Airmen based at RAF Waddington and RAF Scampton will march through Lincoln together for the first time to mark 100 years since both bases were built.

Both RAF Scampton and RAF Waddington have been granted the Freedom of the City of Lincoln, giving them the right to march through the city “with bayonets fixed, bands playing and colours flying”.

Around 90 airmen and officers are expected to march through the city centre on Friday, April 22, accompanied by the RAF Waddington Pipe and Voluntary Band.

The RAF Ensign will fly above the Guildhall to mark the occasion and a special flypast may take place as part of the parade.

Starting in City Square, the RAF personnel will march to the war memorial, where they will receive the salute at around 11.35am from the Lord Lieutenant of Lincolnshire and the Mayor of Lincoln.

Kate Fenn, Civic and International Partnerships Manager at City of Lincoln Council, said: “We’re proud that RAF Waddington exercise their Freedom of the City each year.

“This year will be especially exciting as it will be the first time RAF Waddington and RAF Scampton have marched together.

“The town crier is writing a ‘cry’ to commemorate the occasion, which will be read following the salute from the Lord Lieutenant of Lincolnshire and the Right Worshipful Mayor of Lincoln.

“Everyone is welcome and we’d love to see as many people as possible enjoying the occasion.”

RAF Scampton was granted freedom of the city in 1993, while RAF Waddington has held the honour since 1959.