Pride as sailors from HMS Westminster march through capital

Sailors from HMS Westminster marched proudly through London this week. The Type 23 frigate sailed into her affiliated city on Monday and paraded through the streets, exercising their Freedom of the City.

With drums beating and flags flying, the ship’s company started at Horse Guards before marching through Westminster.

HMS Westminster stopped in the capital on its way home to Portsmouth. It recently spent time shadowing a Chinese warship through the English Channel.

Deputy weapons engineer officer Lieutenant Tristan Trehan said the visit to London was a fantastic experience.

“This visit to conduct Freedom of the City meant a lot of our friends and families were able to attend and line the streets,” he said.

“To see the public greet us as we marched through London was an unforgettable experience.”

During the march yesterday, the sailors saluted Lord Mayor Councillor Ruth Bush while crowds cheered them on. She said: “The latest incarnation of HMS Westminster has proudly borne the name of our city since 1992 serving in locations from the Baltic to the Mediterranean.

“Its men and women have given service to protect our nation and our freedoms, so it is an honour for us to see them exercise their Freedom of the City of Westminster.”

Commander Will Paston, Westminster’s commanding officer, praised his ship’s company for their efforts during a five-month deployment which included Baltic Protector.

He said: “It was a real privilege as the CO of HMS Westminster to exercise the Freedom of the City and something that my ship’s company will remember for the rest of their time in the Service.

“This hometown visit superbly finishes off a successful five-month deployment.”