RGJRA In the News

On Saturday 23 June, soldiers of G Company 7 RIFLES will be presented with the Honorary Freedom of the Borough. This is a prestigious award for their gallant and courageous service to our borough and to the country.

The Rifles offer some of the finest soldiering in the British Army. They pursue excellence in their work. And they stick to their core values of mutual respect and support amongst all Riflemen, regardless of rank or operation.

Go to http://www.newham.gov.uk/YourCouncil/Salutingdistinguishedservice.htm for more information

1.             10:30hrs Maj Gen Greg Smith arrives at the Old Town Hall, 29 Broadway, Stratford, London E15 4BQ (Google E15 4BQ map).

2.            10:45hrs G Coy, 7 RIFLES, accompanied by The Waterloo Band & Bugles will march from Stratford Park, along West Ham Lane to the Old Town Hall Stratford.

3.            10:55hrs Band & Bugles & marching troops arrive at The Old Town Hall, 29 Broadway, Stratford, London E15 4BQ , and form up.

4.            10:59hrs Mayor of Newham, Sir Robin Wales, and Maj Gen Smith emerge from the Old Town Hall and mount the dais.

5.            11:00hrs The Mayor of Newham and Maj Gen Smith will receive a General Salute.

6.            11:04 -11:20hrs approx. inspection of troops on parade:

7.            On completion of the inspection the parade will be stood at ease and the Mayor of Newham will address the parade and the resolution of the Council authorising the conferment of the Honorary Freedom of the London Borough of Newham will be read out.

8.            The Mayor will present the casket containing an illuminated copy of the Resolution inscribed on vellum to Maj Gen Smith who will receive the casket on behalf of The Rifles.

9.            Maj Gen Smith will return thanks on behalf of The Rifles and present the Mayor of Newham with a Silver Bugle (provided by Lt Col J-D v M) and a Rifles flag (already being flown from the Town Hall).

10.          11:30hrs approx and after prayers, the parade commander will ask permission to exercise the Freedom of the London Borough of Newham and march along the Stratford Broadway returning to the Old Town Hall (total duration about 15-20 minutes).

11.          11:50hrs approx. on passing the Old Town Hall the marching contingent will salute the Mayor and Maj Gen Smith (now on the Town Hall balcony)

This concludes the ceremony.

12.          12:00 -13:30hrs approx. Town Hall Reception for All Ranks and invited guests. Further speech by the Mayor (no reply required) in the Town Hall with photographs.