Ahead of Sunday’s Remembrance Service, Henry Smith MP secured a commitment from the Defence Secretary, Rt Hon Philip Hammond MP, to further strengthen the Crawley Royal Electrical & Engineers Territorial Army unit.
Following the House of Commons statement by the Defence Secretary regarding the future of the Territorial Army and reservist forces, Henry Smith MP paid tribute to his local TA by saying:
“People in Crawley are rightly proud of the Royal Electrical & Engineers TA unit based in Kilnmead Road and I was delighted to seek assurances from the Defence Secretary on the floor of the House of Commons that the REME unit will be a key part of the Governments expansion plans for our reservist forces. REME’s presence in our town is very positive and forms an important link between military and civilians.
“This development coincides with Remembrance Day and it’s importance, not only as a fitting tribute to the sacrifice made by our countrymen and women for the freedoms that we now enjoy through the World Wars, but also as we reflect on the conditions and expectations that our service personnel operate under today. Yesterday I was honoured to have the privilege of laying a wreath as Member of Parliament at the Crawley War Memorial after the St John's Church Remembrance Service. It was heartening to see such a large number of people present and watching the High Street Services parade.”