HMS Astute Recognized with Freedom of Wirral

Submariners from one of the Royal Navy’s newest super-subs paraded through the streets of the Wirral on Sunday, September 20, when they were granted the Freedom of the Borough.

The parade, which was organised by Wirral Borough Council, was in honour of the 98-strong crew of HMS Astute and to celebrate the close links between the area and the Royal Navy.

Joining the crew of HMS Astute in receiving the honour were Cadets from Wallasey Sea Cadet Unit, the oldest unit on Merseyside and one affiliated to Astute.

Wirral Councillors voted to present the honour during a meeting in Wallasey Town Hall on July 6.

Award of the Freedom of the Borough means that the crew of HMS Astute has the “right, privilege, honour and distinction” of marching through the streets flying their colours with bayonets fixed.

HMS Astute is first of the Royal Navy’s new class of attack submarines. Operating from her home at HM Naval Base Clyde, Astute has most recently been deployed to one of the world’s busiest shipping routes between the Straits of Gibraltar and the Suez Canal. For two months the submarine took an active role in NATO’s Operation Active Endeavour, providing surveillance and deterrence.

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Image: Caroline Davies/Royal Navy