Freedom of town for Royal Naval Patrol Service Association

The Freedom of the Town is awarded to The Royal Naval Patrol Service Association (RNPSA) for eminent services to Lowestoft. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes) The Freedom of the Town has been awarded to The Royal Naval Patrol Service Association (RNPSA) for "eminent services" to Lowestoft.

The RNPSA's 49th annual reunion service and parade was held at their wartime headquarters in Lowestoft. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes) During a special ceremony at a poignant parade and annual service that honours heroes who gave their lives during the Second World War, Lowestoft Town Council honoured the RNPSA as it conferred the honorary title of Freedom of the Town.

The Freedom of the Town is awarded to The Royal Naval Patrol Service Association (RNPSA) for eminent services to Lowestoft. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes) A town council spokesman said: "The 'Freedom of the Town' award is the highest honour that the town council can bestow on a person or organisation and is reserved for persons or organisations of distinction who are linked to Lowestoft and have rendered eminent services to the town."

The RNPSA's 49th annual reunion service and parade was held at their wartime headquarters in Lowestoft. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes)

As the RNPSA's 49th annual reunion service and parade was held at their wartime headquarters in Lowestoft on Saturday, a "day of deep pride and respect" was hailed.

The annual service of remembrance was held at Belle Vue Park in Lowestoft, where a memorial to fallen service members is based. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes) The annual service of remembrance was held at Belle Vue Park, where a memorial to fallen service members is based.

The RNPSA's 49th annual reunion service and parade was held at their wartime headquarters in Lowestoft. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes) During the Second World War, the town was the central depot of the RNPS, whose main role was minesweeping to keep vital supply lines open.

The RNPSA's 49th annual reunion service and parade was held at their wartime headquarters in Lowestoft. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes) There were about 66,000 men in the patrol service serving in 6,000 ships of which 14,000 were killed, with 600 vessels lost.

The RNPSA's 49th annual reunion service and parade was held at their wartime headquarters in Lowestoft. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes) The parade and annual service was conducted by Mission Area Officer for the Fisherman's Mission, Amanda Wisher, and included traditional hymns, the Arctic and Naval prayers, and the act of remembrance with a reading of the Exhortation as well as the laying of patrol service and civic wreaths and private tributes.

The RNPSA's 49th annual reunion service and parade was held at their wartime headquarters in Lowestoft. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes) The service concluded with addresses from the RNPS Association President Cdr G Titmus and the mayor of Lowestoft Nasima Begum.

The RNPSA's 49th annual reunion service and parade was held at their wartime headquarters in Lowestoft. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes) After the service the parade reformed in Sparrows Nest Gardens - the site of the Second World War Naval Base HMS Europa - for the salute, address and the 'Sunset' ceremony, before the town council conferred the title of the 'Freedom of the Town' to the RNPSA.

A town council spokesman said: "This freedom is a symbol of gratitude from the town for their unwavering dedication and sacrifice."

With the RNPS having "a long-held connection with Lowestoft" since its inception in 1938, the association was launched in 1975 to unite the many men and women who served with the RNPS.

It works diligently to support their veterans through hardships, whilst its members also volunteer their time to maintain the RNPSA Museum and National Office - both situated in Sparrows Nest Gardens.

The mayor of Lowestoft, Nasima Begum, laying a wreath as the RNPSA's 49th annual reunion service and parade was held at their wartime headquarters in Lowestoft. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes) The Mayor of Lowestoft, Nasima Begum, said: "It is a great honour to be able to award the Freedom of the Town to the RNPSA for their many years of service.

"The dedication of the RNPSA’s members to continue its support of the brave men and women who served with the Royal Naval Patrol Service, and to maintain their museum as a lasting legacy, is highly commendable and worthy of the highest award that we can offer."

Leo Whisstock as the RNPSA's 49th annual reunion service and parade was held at their wartime headquarters in Lowestoft. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes)

On behalf of the association, Leo Whisstock, said: "We feel honoured that we have been recognised in this way.

"Our veteran members have firm bonds with the town and although they are getting less in numbers some still keep in contact with the families of the landladies they used to be billeted with during the war.

"We hope that our association with the town will continue long into the future with our unique museum which is very popular."

Previous recipients of the award from the town council include The Excelsior, John Wylson, Christopher Brooks and the Lowestoft Lifeboat Crew.