On Saturday at 11am (11.10.14) Waikato Mayor Allan Sanson renewed the Freedom of the City of Raglan to the NZ Army’s 161 Battery in a charter parade in Raglan. The Mayor read the proclamation and then handed it to 161 battery. He then inspected the troops. About 500 people lined Bow Street to watch the unit, an army band and the Raglan Highland Band march to the review station in Wainui Rd. The Freedom of Raglan charter was first handed to the battery on ANZAC Day 1969 following an agreement between the RSA, Raglan Town Board and the NZ Army. It is reaffirmed periodically, the last time a few years ago by Raglan Councillor Clint Baddeley during an ANZAC Day parade. This is the first time that it has been done at a special charter parade.
Freedom of the City is an ancient honour granted to military organizations, allowing them the privilege to march into the city “with drums beating, colours flying, and bayonets fixed”. The tradition dates back to days of ancient Rome. 161 Battery was granted the Freedom of Raglan after a relationship was formed during the Vietnam conflict when the Raglan Volunteer Fire Brigade, led by Doug and Anne Arter, sent food parcels and comfort packages to the unit. Councilor Baddeley described the efforts of the Raglanders who over the period sent about 20 tonnes of packages.
Barry Dryer the Colonel Commandant of the Royal Regiment of New Zealand Artillery led the review of the 50 members of 161 Battery. The Colonel was serving in Vietnam at the time and described the positive impact of receiving the comfort parcels on the troops. He explained how the ‘colours’ of 161 Battery are its guns and as a mark of respect for Raglan these have the battery emblem which incorporates part of Lord Raglan’s coat of arms.
After the parade the unit set up a display at Kopua followed by sports at the Rugby grounds and then a Karaoke challenge at the Raglan Club.