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An
autumnal Wednesday afternoon in Ipswich
town centre is given a burst of life courtesy of over 100 members of the 4
Regiment Army Air Corps. The regiment celebrated its 38th anniversary with
the parade on 24 October 2007.
To listen to Recce
Flight, the Quick March of the Army Air Corps, click on the picture above.
To visit the Army
Air Corps web site 
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The
unit, based at Wattisham Airfield, were
exercising their right to the Freedom of the Borough - an honour awarded to
them by Ipswich Borough Council in 2002.
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As
would be expected from the army, the uniforms had been meticulously
prepared - with every pair of shoes polished and buffed ahead of the
parade.
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The
event was also used as a platform to launch the Royal British Legion's
poppy appeal. Mayor Inga Lockington and Commander
in Chief, Col. Turner gave a speech to the unit and a crowd of spectators
outside the Town Hall.
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The
unit stand in formation on Ipswich's
Cornhill. During the event Mayor Inga Lockington
presented a good conduct award to Ipswich
soldier T. Hayward.
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The
local bird population wasn't impressed, but the rest of the crowd were
thrilled as three Apache helicopters appeared over the archway in the
Cornhill.
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The unit looked towards the giant poppy on top of the
Town Hall as the Apaches hovered above.
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Flags and banners were on show during the parade and
the unit was armed, with bayonets fixed.
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Four of the flags on parade outside Ipswich Town Hall.
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Following
the salute the unit turned to the seated guests to prepare for another
march through the town centre. "We are very proud of our servicemen
and women," the Mayor said. "This should be a very proud moment
for all of us in Ipswich."
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The
unit marched towards Museum
Street, before turning around and heading
towards the Buttermarket. A private reception was
due to be held at the Corn Exchange.
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As
the parade headed back towards the Cornhill, the three Apaches made a final
appearance overhead - with many onlookers rushing for a snap from their
camera phones.
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At
the time of publishing two video clips are available on B.B.C.
Suffolk. They can be viewed by
clicking on the links below.
Please allow time for the clips to load. The B.B.C. Media Player is supplied by
RealPlayer and, if needed, this can be downloaded free of charge from the
appropriate link.
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