266 GVA exercise Freedom of the City

In a parade the likes of which Bristol has not seen for some time, 266 Gloucestershire Volunteer Artillery (GVA) exercised its Freedom of the City, an ancient Roman tradition that enables a local authority to grant the highest and oldest military honour to a unit to march through the county.  Guns,  artillery and reservists from 266 GVA paraded through the City centre, led by the Band of the 3rd Batallion The Royal Welsh.  Mrs Peaches Golding OBE, HM Lord-Lieutenant for the county of Bristol, took the salute while High Sheriff Charles Wild and Lord Mayor Cllr Jos Clare stood alongside.  Captain Bishnu Ghale RA, Staff Administrative Officer of the 266 GVA, explained, 'Today marks several important events; first the 160th anniversary of the GVA, secondly, the 100th anniversary of the return of GVA troops from World War I and lastly, national Armed Forces Day.'  Following the parade there was an open day at the Artillery Grounds on the Whiteladies Road where 266 GVA was joined by a number of other units, services and organisations.