Warwick Crowds Honour Kineton Troops

Hundreds lined the streets of central Warwick on Saturday 22nd July to cheer and applaud the troops from nearby MOD Kineton. 

The munitions base, one of the largest in Europe, is celebrating its 75th anniversary of service which has included training hundreds of personnel from around the world in the vital and dangerous work of bomb disposal.

The Kineton Station was awarded the Freedom of Warwick five years ago. For their anniversary the troops exercised their right to march through the county town, fully armed with colours flying and their band playing. 

The ‘Kineton Freedom Parade’ began in the grounds of Warwick Castle, emerged through Town Gate, then passed along Castle Street before turning up the High Street, along Swan Street, through the Market Place and along The Square to Church Street. Mayors and dignitaries from around the county joined friends and family members to watch the march-past from the war memorial near St. Mary’s Church.

It ended with a reception in Pageant Gardens behind the Court House.

Unlocking Warwick volunteers helped Town Council staff to serve tea and coffee to the VIP guests, and others worked as marshalls along the route, ensuring the crowds could get a good view of the march-past.  There was applause and flag-waving as the troops marched by.  Congratulations to the Kineton Station!