Colchester City Council is proud to welcome the Airborne Soldier Statue, an important new landmark that honours the city's strong military heritage and the service of airborne forces personnel past and present.
The council is honoured to be gifted the life-size bronze statue, which marks 25 years of 16 Air Assault Brigade being based at Merville Barracks and honours airborne forces personnel past and present. The statue was unveiled in front of serving personnel, veterans, guests and local residents at a special ceremony held on 31 July.
Brigadier Ed Cartwright, Commander of 16 Air Assault Brigade, said: “16 Air Assault Brigade is proud to call Colchester its home. For more than 25 years Colchester has given the Brigade a launchpad from which to deploy on operations, safe in the knowledge that the local community understands what we do and embraces our families.”
“The Colchester Airborne Soldier Statue gives a focal point for us all to reflect on what the Brigade has achieved, and to celebrate the strong bonds between the city and its airborne soldiers.”
The Mayor of Colchester, Cllr Andrew Ellis said: “We are honoured to become the custodian of the Airborne Soldier Statue. It is a powerful symbol of the close relationship between Colchester and the airborne forces, and of the courage, commitment and service of those who have served our country.
“We know how much this statue already means to residents, veterans and serving personnel. We are proud to help protect this important landmark and the stories it represents for generations to come.”
Cllr Paul Dundas, Leader of the Council and Portfolio Holder for Strategy said: “Colchester has a proud military history and strong ties to the Armed Forces community. The statue reflects this enduring relationship and the shared history between the city and the Armed Forces, which remains an important part of Colchester's identity. It will stand as a lasting landmark, offering a place for reflection, remembrance and recognition.”
The Council is committed to supporting the Armed Forces community and values the long-standing partnership it has built with the Army over many decades. Through close working with military units, veterans' organisations and local partners, we continue to support serving personnel, veterans and their families.