The band of 194 (BSA) Squadron along with Cadets and Staff from 165 (Castle Bromwich) & 487 (Kingstanding and Perry Barr) Squadrons were proud to be involved with what is believed to be the first Ceremony of its kind in the United Kingdom to confer the Freedom of a City upon the Royal British Legion.

The Ceremony started with a Parade of Royal British Legion and other Ex-Service Associations along with the ATC Standards forming up in Chamberlain Square in the centre of Birmingham. The Parade was completed by a contingent of RBL members and the Cadets and Staff from 165 & 487 Squadron.

The Band of 194 Squadron struck up a tune and the Parade started on its short journey from Chamberlain Square to Victoria Square where the Blessing of the new Union Standard and the Dedication of the new RBL County Standard took place.

Before the official Presentation Ceremony took place the Lord Mayor of Birmingham, Councillor Len Gregory, announced “That from this day forth the Tri-Service flag will fly outside the Council Office of Birmingham City Council whenever and wherever there are British Servicemen and Women on duty around the world”.

The Freedom Service was conducted with great dignity, with the Lord Mayor reading out the Resolution that Conferred the Freedom of Entry into the City of Birmingham to The Birmingham County, Royal British Legion.

The Lord Mayor then inspected the Parade accompanied by Mr Dave Gooding, the Chairman of the Birmingham County, Royal British Legion.

After the March Past by the Parade and the dismissal of the Parade the Cadets and Staff from all three units were invited by the Lord Mayor to join him in the Banqueting Suite for refreshments.

The Parade of Standards was achieved with the help of Cadets from 165 & 487 Squadrons who had been honoured to be asked to carry some of the RBL Standards on behalf of the Branches who no longer have Standard Bearers of their own.

Many compliments were paid to the Staff about the conduct and respect shown by the ATC for the RBL's Ceremony.