DRUMS will beat and colours will fly when a Royal Navy ship is given the freedom of a town.

HMS Cattistock will be awarded the Freedom of Poole, the highest honour a town can bestow upon the Royal Navy or one of His Majesty’s Ships.

The entire ship’s company, more than 70 servicemen and women, will march through the streets of the town on Saturday, May 4.

They will be led by the Band of His Majesty’s Royal Marines Plymouth, with the ship docked alongside Poole Quay.

Local sea cadet, veteran and naval associations will also take part in the event as the town welcomes the Hunt Class Minehunter.

Bournemouth Echo:

At 2pm, the mayor of Poole, Cllr Jo Clements, will present the HMS Cattistock Casket Party with the Freedom Scroll.

It is the first ship to receive this honour. 

Following the presentation, the entire ships company will march a circular through the town led by the band.

They will parade along The Quay past HMS Cattistock, up the High Street as far as Lagland Street and back to The Quay.

The ship, which was launched in 1981 and commissioned in 1982, is the third of her class and the third navy ship to bear the name.

It is affiliated to the town of Poole and the village of Cattistock near Dorchester.

Lieutenant Commander Jonny Campbell, Commanding Officer of HMS Cattistock, said: “The affiliation between HMS Cattistock and the people of Poole and village of Cattistock is long established and remains an important link.”

“In 1944 an earlier ship of the same name protected minesweepers in the days and hours before D-Day at Normandy, and now it is us who hunt and clear mines to protect our country. We have always been warmly welcomed by Poole and hugely enjoy visiting to see our friends including cadets, schools and the maritime community.

“I am really pleased that the ship can visit again and maintain the link between the British people and the Royal Navy. We cannot wait to return to our favourite port.”

Cllr Jo Clements said: “The Royal Navy has always had a proud history of service in Poole and in 2010 the former Borough of Poole adopted HMS Cattistock as their ship and have enjoyed a close working relationship over the last decade.

“The officers and crew have regularly supported Poole’s Annual Service of Remembrance as well as forging strong links with the town’s uniformed youth and veteran groups.

“When operationally possible the ship’s company have also hosted visits from the Poole Sea Cadets, the RNLI Lifeboat volunteers and local veteran associations, demonstrating their commitment to fully engage with the community and residents of Poole.

“I am delighted that on Saturday 4 May 2024 the Poole Charter Trustees will be formally admitting the Officers and Crew of HMS Cattistock the Freedom of the Town of Poole, the first ship to be granted this honour.”