Ship's company of HMAS Cape Woolamai march throughDarwin on Anzac Day.
A TOUCH of medieval pomp and pageantry comes to Phillip Island next Friday when the crew of HMAS Cape Woolamai will exercise its Freedom of Entry to Cowes.
The ship is based in Darwin and this is the crew's first Freedom of Entry march on Phillip Island. It marks 125 years since the formation of the Commonwealth Naval Forces on 1 March 1901, following Federation
They will march from the Cowes jetty past the Cenotaph and up Thompson Avenue in ceremonial uniform, with swords drawn, bayonets fixed, colours flying and music provided by the Royal Australian Navy Band.
At Berninneit, they will be greeted by an official party including Bass Coast Mayor Brett Tessari. All going well, he will present the commanding officer of HMAS Cape Woolamai with an official scroll granting freedom of entry.
The Freedom of Entry is one of the oldest and most honoured customs in military history. It symbolises the trust and respect between a military unit and the community it serves.
The ceremony dates back to medieval times when seaside cities were surrounded by fortress walls and entry only granted to trusted troops. Freedom of Entry was a highly prized privilege as it enabled troops to restock and refresh “on the march”.
The march begins at the jetty at 11am and will finish at Berninneit at about 11.25am.
They will march from the Cowes jetty past the Cenotaph and up Thompson Avenue in ceremonial uniform, with swords drawn, bayonets fixed, colours flying and music provided by the Royal Australian Navy Band.
At Berninneit, they will be greeted by an official party including Bass Coast Mayor Brett Tessari. All going well, he will present the commanding officer of HMAS Cape Woolamai with an official scroll granting freedom of entry.
The Freedom of Entry is one of the oldest and most honoured customs in military history. It symbolises the trust and respect between a military unit and the community it serves.
The ceremony dates back to medieval times when seaside cities were surrounded by fortress walls and entry only granted to trusted troops. Freedom of Entry was a highly prized privilege as it enabled troops to restock and refresh “on the march”.
The march begins at the jetty at 11am and will finish at Berninneit at about 11.25am.
HMAS Cape Woolamai is bsed at Darwin.