Ceremony to grant RAAF wing freedom of entry to Redland City

Freedom of Entry is the most honourable distinction a city can bestow on a contingent of the Australian Defence Force, and is a long-standing military tradition that dates back to the Middle Ages, reflecting the ritual that would take place before armed troops were permitted to billet overnight in a town.

The ceremonial honour became popular in Australia during the 19th century and a military unit that is granted Freedom of Entry to a city today enters in full ceremonial style.

In November last year, Redland City Council voted to grant 95 Wing Freedom of Entry to mark respect for the Australian Defence Force and its many roles at home and abroad.

95 Wing is the largest Wing in the Australian air force, with 2600 highly trained personnel providing operational security at every RAAF base in Australia and generating ground support for air force activities around the world.

95 Wing commanding officer Group Captain Peter Davis said the Wing looked forward to being part of such an important civil-military ceremony that reinforced the pride the Redlands community had in its airmen and airwomen.

At 10.30am on Saturday, April 12, about 150 members of the Wing, supported by local air cadets and a band, will gather outside the Redland Performing Arts Centre for a march along Middle Street, Cleveland.

GPCAPT Davis said participating RAAF personnel would represent the nine squadrons of the Wing and the colours and standards awarded to three of the Wing's squadrons would be flown on the parade.

"A band will accompany the parade and warrant officers will march with swords and other ranks with rifles," he said.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams will inspect the parade and present the official scroll offering Freedom of Entry to Redland City to GPCAPT Davis, who will formally request permission to march through Cleveland.

The marchers will then be challenged by police outside Redland Art Gallery, before passing Library Square, where they will halt to offer traditional salutes to the mayor and Air Commodore Tim Innes.

The march will then continue along Middle Street towards Redlands RSL.

95 Wing is the largest Wing in the Australian air force and provides operational security at every RAAF base in Australia and generates ground support for air force activities around the world.