Commemorating the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee

A 'maroon canopy' of trees has been planted at Colchester's Merville Barracks to mark the Queen's Platinum Jubilee while celebrating the proud history and identity of airborne forces. A service of dedication was held at the barrack's memorial garden today *Mon 6 June* to unveil the 16 purple birches, planted as part of the Queen's Green Canopy initiative. The number of trees planted and the colour of their leaves will represent the maroon berets of Colchester-based 16 Air Assault Brigade Combat Team. The trees were planted as part of a renovation of the memorial garden, funded by RMPA Services which manages the Colchester Garrison PFI. Dignitaries including the Lord- Lieutentant of Essex Jennifer Tolhurst, Mayor of Colchester Cllr Tim Young were joined by children from local primary schools for the service, which was held on the 78th anniversary of D-Day. A key action on 6th June 1944 saw 9th (Essex) Parachute Battalion jump in to neutralise Merville Battery, an artillery position which threatened the invasion beaches. Merville Barracks was named to honour the contribution of Essex paratroopers on D-Day.