Monmouth had the honour of hosting a parade by the Royal Monmouthshire Royal Engineers (Militia) (RMRE(M) when they exercised their Freedom of the town by parading 'with bayonets fixed' last Saturday (11th July).

Reservists from Swansea, Cardiff, Cwmbran, Bristol, Monmouth, Birmingham, Stoke and the Channel Islands were led by the 7th Battalion's Waterloo Band and Bugles of the Rifles as they made their way to Agincourt Square to be received by the mayor of Monmouth, Councillor Graham Pritchard.

Those taking the salute included the Deputy Lord Lieutenant General Sir Robert Hayman-Jones and the High Sheriff of Gwent, Col. Andrew Tuggey DL.

The Regiment, led by Commanding Officer, Lt Col Neil Witcombe RE, heard Cllr Pritchard speaking of the special day for Monmouth, confirming the close and special relationship between the town and the Regiment: "They have worked hard to support local community groups and projects, helping to upgrade the community centre car park and roads around the town.

"Through its Community Covenant Grant scheme, the regiment has raised and distributed over £130,000 to help funding and construction of the new Monmouth skatepark, the new Special Needs Unit at Overmonnow School and in developing the Poppy Walk.

"The town owes much to the Regiment for this work and support."

Following the civic reception, the soldiers marched down Agincourt Street and made their way back to the square via St John Street for an 'eyes right' before making their way to Castle House for a reception,

The regimental headquarters of the RMRE(M) is Monmouth - based at Castle House with barracks on Vauxhall Fields - and consists of three Field Squadrons of around 140 personnel based out of a number of Army Reserve Centres located in the West Midlands, South Wales, Bristol and the Channel Islands.

They are the senior Reserve Regiment of the British Army with unbroken service to the crown since 1539. The Regiment's current role is to provide formed groups of Combat Engineer Reservists for operations in the UK and abroad.