75th Freedom of Helston for RNAS Culdrose

School children and members of the public lined the streets of Helston on April 6 to cheer on the sailors of Royal Naval Air Station Culdrose.

Led by the HMS Seahawk Volunteer Band, around 150 personnel from the air station paraded to mark RNAS Culdrose’s 75th anniversary.

They enacted the right of the Freedom of Helston, the highest honour that can be granted by a town to a military establishment, which allows them to march with swords drawn and bayonets fixed.

Helston mayor Councillor Tim Gratton-Kane welcomed RNAS Culdrose commanding officer Captain Stuart Finn and inspected the guard during a ceremony outside the Guildhall.

Coinagehall Street was lined with school children from the primary schools Nansloe, St Michael’s, Parc Eglos and Wendon. Many of their parents were marching in the parade.

Captain Stuart Finn, the commanding officer of RNAS Culdrose said: “We are delighted to be back in Helston having cancelled our community events for the past two years due to coronavirus restrictions.

“This year is especially important to us as we mark 75 years since the commissioning of RNAS Culdrose. A lot has happened in that time but the links and bonds between the air station and Helston are as strong as ever.”