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70th ANNIVERSARY OF AIRBORNE FORCES

Saturday 24th July 2010

HQ 16 Air Assault Brigade is hosting the 7oth Anniversary of the formation of Airborne Forces. The event is taking place in Melville Barracks, Colchester. The key event will be the parading of the Colours of the 2nd & 3rd Battalions of the Parachute Regiment and the Army Air Corps Guidon. The Club (AMOC) spearheaded by Stuart Bailey, Alan Curtis & Area 11 are providing a static display and drive through Colchester town. The drive through Colchester will involve veterans of the Airborne Forces and will collect the Mayor of Colchester and provide her escort to the parade. Monies raised at the event are going to military charities. The activities start at 10 am and last until 8 pm and include:

A dedication ceremony for the Dakota Aircraft gate guardian.

The dedication of the new Standard for the Colchester Branch of the Parachute Regiment Association.

Static display stands by each of the units within the Brigade demonstrating the capabilities, equipment and manpower which will be deployed to Afghanistan later this year.

A static display of an Apache AH and Lynx Mk 9 helicopters.

Areana displays including musical demonstrations by the Parachute Regiment Band and the Bugles, Pipes and Drums of the 1st Battalion Royal Irish Regiment.

Displays by the Red Devils and Golden eagles freefall parachute teams.

Spitfire flying display by the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight.

A children’s funfair and food & dink concession stalls.

A Parachute descent tower.

Display from the Airborne Forces Museum.

A Beating the Retreat ceremony and flypast by an Apache attack helicopter.

The event, due to security considerations is by ticket only. If you are interested in taking part/attending please contact Stuart Bailey (s.bailey17@btinternet.com), Area 11 Rep or the Club Secretary (hqstaff@amoc.org).