HMS Cambria Welsh Royal Naval Reservists marched through Barry town centre to bid farewell to the Vale on Saturday, January 18.

The parade was a symbol of gratitude to Barry and the Vale for their valuable support and friendship spanning more than 40 years and came prior to their move to Cardiff Bay in May 2020.

More than 60 members of Wales’s only Maritime Reserve Unit, together with a Ceremonial Guard, marched from King Square to the Civic Offices, led by the Band of Her Majesty’s Royal Marines Commando Training Centre.

The Farewell Parade was attended by Lord Lieutenant of South Glamorgan, Morfudd Meredith, Vale mayor, Cllr Christine Cave; Barry mayor, Cllr Margaret Wilkinson as well as High Sherriff, Dr Isabel Graham.

Other attendees included, Captain David Teasdale RNR – deputy commander Maritime Reserves – and other civic dignitaries from across the region and past HMS Cambria commanding officers.

HMS Cambria was awarded the Freedom of the County of the Vale of Glamorgan in April 2012.

HMS Cambria commander Steve Fry said: “My sailors are extremely honoured to march and show their gratitude to the Vale of Glamorgan.

“This year will see us move into a multi-million pound building in the heart of Cardiff Docks.

“Our relationship with the Vale and the town of Barry has been excellent and strengthened over nearly forty years of being located here.

“We very much intend to maintain these strong links.”

Vale council cabinet member and armed forces champion, Cllr Eddie Williams said: “We are delighted to welcome Royal Naval Reservists from HMS Cambria and other members of the military to Barry for this farewell parade and wish the unit well on relocation to their new site.

“Awarding the Freedom of the County Borough is a symbol of our trust and confidence in HMS Cambria and we are honoured by this show of appreciation.”

Deputy commander Maritime Reserves, Captain David Teasdale RNR, the senior Royal Navy officer attending, said: “It is very important that we remember and acknowledge the strong links built up with Barry and all the support the local community has given the ship’s company over many years.

On behalf of the headquarters and Commander Maritime Reserves, I am extremely grateful for that support.”