Airborne sappers to celebrate their 15th anniversary in Woodbridge

Woodbridge is set to enjoy a celebration of the 15-year anniversary of the town’s airborne sappers.

23 Parachute Engineer Regiment is marking 15 years since its formation in 2003, including its contribution to operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, and its ongoing commitment to supporting 16 Air Assault Brigade across the world. On Friday 27th July, the regiment will parade through Woodbridge town centre to exercise its Freedom of the Town, and on Saturday 28th July it will open the gates of its home at Rock Barracks for a free open day to display its skills and equipment to the public.

Lieutenant Colonel Simon Carvel, Commanding Officer of 23 Parachute Engineer Regiment, said: “We are incredibly proud to have been able to deliver upon the Royal Engineers’ motto of ‘Ubique’, or everywhere, in our short 15 year history. This has included deployments to Iraq during our inaugural year in 2003, Afghanistan a number of times, the Sinai Peninsula and most recently conducting disaster relief in the Caribbean. Since moving to Rock Barracks in 2006 we have enjoyed wonderful support from the local community in Woodbridge, especially towards our families when their loved ones are deployed. We are extending an invitation to the town and the Suffolk community to events at the end of July, to celebrate the strong links between the Regiment and community who supports us. They promise to be wonderful occasions to unite us all.”

The Freedom parade on 27th July will see soldiers march through the town “with swords drawn, bayonets fixed, drums beating, bands playing, and Colours flying”, setting off from Burkitt Road at 10am. The Band of The Parachute Regiment will set the march to music and will be playing on Market Hill afterwards.

It will be the seventh time the regiment has exercised the Freedom of Woodbridge since it was granted in 2006 when the unit moved to Rock Barracks.

The open day on 28th July will combine a family fun day with a showcase of the regiment’s equipment and skills, such as bridge-building. The free event is open from 11am to 3pm and will feature the Red Devils Freefall Parachute Display Team, an Apache helicopter static display, music from The Band of The Parachute Regiment, bouncy castles and children’s activities, BBQs and food-stalls, and on-site parking.