A 250-strong New Zealand Army formation from Burnham Military Camp will march through Christchurch’s central city on Friday to mark the start of the local battalion’s 50th anniversary celebrations over the long weekend.
2nd/1st Battalion Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment has been among the first to respond to incidents and disasters in Christchurch and the wider South Island, such as the Christchurch Earthquake in 2011 and the Covid-19 response – providing personnel to conduct security and manage quarantine facilities.
A charter formalises the relationship between the city of Christchurch and the South Island’s only Regular Force infantry unit.
Friday’s formalities will include a ceremonial challenge from New Zealand Police, the confirming of the charter and a speech from Christchurch City Mayor Phil Mauger at Cathedral Square, followed by the battalion marching a route that includes the Christ Church Cathedral and the Bridge of Remembrance.
Spectators will see the battalion’s soldiers marching to the beat provided by the NZ Army Band, with swords and bayonets drawn, and the unit Regimental Colours flying.
Past members of the battalion who have served with the unit over the last 50 years will also form part of the parade.
More than 500 past members will be welcomed back to Burnham Military Camp for a Battalion Open Day on Saturday, where they will witness a feu de joie ceremony (a parade with rapid volley firing), and the opening of the time capsule laid down by battalion soldiers during the 25th anniversary celebration.
The time capsule will be replaced, to be reopened at the 75th anniversary.
