The city of Peterborough helped proud reservists celebrate their regiment’s 30th anniversary this month, hosting a parade and commemorative cathedral service.
The Army Reserve soldiers of 158 Regiment, The Royal Logistics Corps (RLC), had the chance to parade through the city on Sunday 10 May to celebrate three decades since 158’s establishment in 1996. The regiment provides general transport, fuel and bulk liquid transport to 1 Aviation Brigade Combat Team, ensuring their Apache helicopters have the right logistical support to keep flying.
Peterborough was the perfect place for the celebration. Not only does 158 Reg have Freedom of the City, it also has its base there, with 200 Headquarters Squadron working and training at the Army Reserve Centre in Old Fletton.
200 Sqn delivers all the required elements to support the single supply and three transport squadrons based across East Anglia and the East Midlands. Luton and Bedford are the joint homes of 201 Sqn, while 202 Sqn operates from Ipswich and Colchester, 261 Sqn from Milton Keynes 294 Sqn from Grantham.
Soldiers from each squadron gathered in Peterborough for the parade to show their commitment to the regiment that has become their second home.
The celebrations started with a service of thanksgiving led by the Dean of Peterborough Cathedral, the Very Rev Chris Dalliston. After the service 158 Reg reservists marched from the nave into Cathedral Square, where HM Lord-Lieutenant of Cambridgeshire, Mrs Julie Spence OBE CStJ QPM, and outgoing Mayor of Peterborough Cllr Judy Fox carried out an inspection.
Exercising their Freedom of the City—and with the City Council’s blessing—the soldiers of 158 Reg then marched down Bridge Street, past the war memorial and Town Hall, and along Bourges Boulevard.
158’s reservists take time from their busy civilian lives to train not only as soldiers but to drive military trucks, forklifts and close support tankers, as well as becoming category B and C driving instructors, chefs, communications specialists and supply experts. There are usually opportunities to join and you can enquire either at your local Army Reserve Centre or by visiting the Royal Logistics Corps web page.
Through the regiment’s 30-year history its reservists have deployed to support peacekeeping operations in Kosovo and Cyprus, humanitarian support in Sierra Leone and combat operations in Afghanistan and Iraq. Congratulations and thank you from East Anglia RFCA to all 158 Regiment RLC’s past and present personnel for their service.
