Freedom of Entry to be granted to "old unfit" 504 Squadron Royal Auxiliary Air Force, RAF Wittering
This evening our Town Council decided to grant the honour of Freedom of Entry
to a RAF Wittering Regiment.
Not before a farcical debate was held. I may not agree with the public expenditure for
such events, but it is times like this evening I find our town council embarrassing.
Cllr Lockett stated he did not support the proposal, suggesting the council should not grant the
honour upon just any odd regiment, to do so would degrade the current freedoms issued.
Cllr Dewis pointed out the regiment had local connections and was previously attached to
RAF Cottesmore. The regiment also parades through the town on Remembrance Day.
Cllr Guthrie said he supports the spectacle anything that encourages tourism.
Cllr Maureen Dodds demanded an explanation, "what does the freedom mean to Oakham?"
"All these bainits fixed and drums does this mean they could turn up in town and do what they
like? and what if both groups met in the middle of town?".............................
Cllr Alf Dewis attempted to explain that if granted it would be a grant honour for the regiment.
Oakham Mayor Adam Lowe interrupted and reassured Cllr Dodds by telling her "it's an auxiliary
regiment made up of older personal, who would be unlikely to run through the town let alone fight"
Cllr Stubbs interrupted and told the Mayor "be careful what you say!"
www.raf.mod.uk/rafreserves/rolesandsquadrons/504nottingham.cfm
504 (County of Nottingham)
Station name: RAF Wittering
Station address: Peterborough, Cambridgeshire
PE8 6HB
PE8 6HB
Squadron contact: Tel: 0845 606 9069
Motto: Vindicat in ventis (Latin meaning ‘Avenges in the wind’)
Mission: To provide a cadre of RAuxAF logistics personnel trained, equipped and prepared for mobilisation to support the Royal Air Force on enduring operations, both at home and abroad.
