SWANSEA visitors, residents and shoppers turned out in strength to cheer HMS Cambria on St David’s Day as the Royal Navy Reserve unit exercised their right to march through the city centre.
HMS Cambria is one of the Royal Navy’s leading reserve units and many of its sailors are recruited from the Swansea area, so it was no surprise that so many lined the streets to watch.
HMS Cambria was awarded the Freedom of Swansea in 2018 and the march followed an inspection of the crew in full dress uniform at Guildhall rotunda.
They then paraded through the city to the LC via St Helen’s Road, Oxford Street, St Mary’s Square and Princess Way.
Paxton Hood-Williams, Lord Mayor of Swansea, who took the salute said: “It was a great morning and a terrific, colourful way to celebrate St David’s Day.
“Around a third of HMS Cambria’s crew is from the South West Wales area and it was a marvellous opportunity for family, friends and the general public to show how much we appreciate them and their role.”
Rob Stewart, Leader of the Council, said: “Swansea is a spiritual home of HMS Cambria. It’s why they have the Freedom of the City and why we were delighted they wanted to exercise their right to march through the city.
“Reservists play an increasingly vital role in the Royal Navy, often taking part in operations around the world.
The council’s armed forces’ champion Cllr Wendy Lewis, said: “We’re enormously proud of our serving and former Armed Forces men and women.
“Granting Honorary Freedom of the City and County of Swansea to HMS Cambria back in 2018 showed how much the council and communities across the city appreciate everything our Armed Forces do to protect the freedom and democracy that we cherish.
While HMS Cambria is located in Cardiff, Swansea is home to the Tawe Division of the Royal Naval Reserve, a satellite to the main formation. Saturday’s march was led by the Band of HM Royal Marines Plymouth.
