HMS Defender takes part in military parade through Exeter city centre

Published: 11 February 2023

Thousands of people watched crew from HMS Defender exercise their Freedom of the City with a parade through Exeter city centre.

The parade included His Majesty’s Band of the Royal Marines, veterans and cadets, and a VIP reception for guests took place at Exeter’s historic Guildhall.

A civic party including the Lord Mayor, Lord Lieutenant, Naval Regional Commander Royal Marines Brigadier Jock Fraser and the Commanding Officer from HMS Defender Commander Peter Evans took the salute at the Guildhall.

An inspection then took place outside Exeter Cathedral during which His Majesty’s Band of the Royal Marines, Lympstone, performed in front of the watching crowds.

HMS Defender is Exeter’s affiliated ship. Launched in 2009, it is a state-of-the-art destroyer, and was given the Freedom of the City of Exeter in 2014.

Council Leader Phil Bialyk said: “It was fantastic to be able to welcome the crew of HMS Defender and other military personnel to Exeter. A lot of people take the time to watch these parades and it was great to see crowds in the city centre enjoying this event.”