HMS Triumph exercises its freedom of Newton Abbot
The crew of the HMS Triumph has exercised its freedom of Newton Abbot with a parade through the South Devon town.
This marks the first time the honour has been granted to any organisation, creating a milestone in the community's history.
A marching platoon from the Royal Navy's nuclear-powered 'hunter-killer' submarine paraded with their bayonets fixed, colours flying and bands playing.
Twenty-five submariners, accompanied by musicians from the Southwest Area Sea Cadets Band, marched from Victoria Gardens to Wolborough Street.
A Freedom Scroll was presented by the Mayor, Councillor Carol Bunday, to Royal Navy Commander Shaun Southwood, representing Commander Scott Taylor, Commanding Officer of HMS Triumph.
Mayor Bunday said: "It is a real honour to host the crew of HMS Triumph for this very special occasion and the people of Newton Abbot have turned out to welcome them.
"Our historic market town has long links with the sea, not least the Newfoundland cod trade of the 17th Century which did so much for our prosperity when other communities weren't perhaps faring as well.
"Town Quay was also the departure point for any amount of locally produced goods and materials which were shipped to the four corners of the Earth, so to associate ourselves with the Royal Navy makes perfect sense."
She added: "And today, as throughout our nation's history, we owe a debt of gratitude to our Armed Forces who serve their country and help to maintain our safety and security.
"We salute the crew of HMS Triumph and are delighted to offer them the freedom of our town."
The Freedom of Newton Abbot was formally announced by the town council in 2019 when the then-Commanding Officer, Commander Steve Waller, accepted the declaration at the old Town Hall in Devon Square.
In exchange, Cdr Waller gave the Town Council a copy of the submarine's badge to go on display when the authority moved to its new offices at Newton's Place in Wolborough Street.
The pandemic delayed plans for the parade and official scroll presentation.
Town Clerk Phil Rowe said: "I'm so pleased that we can finally complete the giving of the Freedom of Newton Abbot to Cdr Southwood and his crew. This is a great day in our town's long history."
'Where she rightfully belongs'
Cdr Shaun Southwood read the words sent by the Commanding Officer of HMS Triumph Cdr Scott Taylor: "It is with mixed feelings that I am unable to represent HMS Triumph in person to accept the Freedom of Newton Abbot on behalf of the submarine and her ship's company.
"While saddened we are unable to join you on this most special of days, this sadness is offset by the pride and excitement we all feel in returning her to where she rightfully belongs, delivering on operations.
"While the history of the name HMS Triumph does not quite extend as far back as that of Newton Abbot, we do share a rich tapestry woven into the fabric of the region and I can only hope the future for HMS Triumph, and indeed our affiliation is as illustrious as her past.
"Again, on behalf of my ship's company, thank you and we hope to be in a position to visit you again in the near future."
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