In scenes reminiscent of the 18th Century, six members of London’s bomb disposal unit, 101 (City of London) Engineer Regiment (Explosive Ordnance Disposal), today marched within the walls of the City of London, behind a beating drum, in order to raise awareness of the Regiment and to inspire potential recruits to join them.

The group of reserve and regular soldiers, armed with information and flyers set off at 0900 hours from St Paul’s Cathedral which has special significance for the Regiment. The Royal Engineers’ Bomb Disposal teams worked tirelessly around that area in treacherous conditions dealing with unexploded ordnance dropped during the Blitz in the Second World War.

The route, which took 50 minutes, saw them moving north on Foster Lane before heading East along London Wall, turning south into Old Broad Street, along Threadneedle Street, past the Mansion House and Bank of England, before turning west along Princes Street and Gresham Street, finishing in the Guildhall Yard.

During the Blitz

On arrival at the Guildhall, the soldiers were greeted by the Lord Mayor of London, Alderman Fiona Woolf, Remembrancer, Paul Double and Chief Commoner, George Gillon and several Masters of the Livery Companies.

Commanding Officer 101 (City of London) Engineer Regiment (EOD), Lieutenant Colonel Simon Stockley said “We are tremendously proud of our relationship with the City of London, which was forged on the battlefields of World Wars I and II, fighting alongside the London Divisions, while securing the nation’s capital from the threat of unexploded ordnance during the Blitz. The opportunity to recruit within the City is a strong reminder of our history and the tremendous support that we continue to receive from the City Institutions, but perhaps most importantly Londoners.”

The Lord Mayor of London, Alderman Fiona Woolf said “It’s an honour to welcome Bomb Disposal soldiers from the Army’s 101 Engineer Regiment to Guildhall. Their ‘recruiting march’ behind a beating drum reminds all those in the City’s streets of the important work of our serving men and women, both here and overseas, now and throughout history.”

Original article written by and sourced from – army.mod.uk