The event recognised the longstanding military heritage of the district and the historic links between Wakefield and the KOYLI and included a traditional Sounding Retreat performed by The Band and Bugles of The Rifles – a rare ceremonial military performance within one of the Wakefield district’s most historically significant venues.
The Freedom of the City passed from The KOYLI when it was disbanded during the restructuring of the British Army in 1968 to become one of the three Light Infantry Battalions.
Following further restructuring of the British Army in 2007, the Freedom of the City was passed to The Rifles when The Light Infantry became one of the forming regiments of The Rifles, a new national infantry regiment.
The KOYLI Depot was in Pontefract Barracks and Y Company, 8 Rifles are based in Minden House, the last building from Pontefract Barracks still in military use.
Take a look at these photos from the evening:
10. Visitors
Visitors were given the opportunity to experience a unique military tradition in one of the district’s most historic settings, while honouring the enduring links between Wakefield and its Armed Forces community. Photo: Wakefield Council
11. Barracks
The KOYLI Depot was in Pontefract Barracks. Y Company, 8 Rifles are based in Minden House, the last building from Pontefract Barracks still in military use. Photo: Wakefield Council
12. Freedom
In 1968, the British Army was restructured and The King’s Own Yorkshire Light Infantry (KOYLI) disbanded. The Freedom of the City then passed to The Light Infantry. Further restructuring in 2007 saw The Light Infantry become one of the forming regiments of The Rifles, a new national infantry regiment. The Freedom of the City then passed onto The Rifles. Photo: Wakefield Council