A statue has been unveiled in Colchester to symbolise the strong bond between the city and its airborne soldiers.

The Colchester Airborne Soldier Statue marks 25 years of 16 Air Assault Brigade being based at Colchester’s Merville Barracks. It is a life-sized bronze of a soldier in full parachute kit, ready to jump into action.

Troops were on parade alongside civic dignitaries, veterans, and the public for the statue’s unveiling and formal gifting to Colchester, which was set to music by British Army Band Tidworth.

The statue was unveiled by Lieutenant General Sir Barney White-Spunner (Retd) and Brigadier Ed Cartwright, respectively the commander of 16 Air Assault Brigade when it arrived in Colchester in 2000 and the current commander.

Brig Cartwright said: “16 Air Assault Brigade is proud to call Colchester its home. For more than 25 years Colchester has given the Brigade a launchpad from which to deploy on operations, safe in the knowledge that the local community understands what we do and embraces our families.

“The Colchester Airborne Soldier Statue gives a focal point for us all to reflect on what the Brigade has achieved, and to celebrate the strong bonds between the city and its airborne soldiers.”

The brigade has been based in Colchester since 2000 and deployed from there on operations in Iraq, Afghanistan, South Sudan, Sudan, Turkey, and Tristan da Cunha. It was granted the Freedom of Colchester in 2008, which was exercised in 2009 and 2011 after it returned from operations in Afghanistan and again in 2023.

The Mayor of Colchester, Cllr Andrew Ellis, said: “Colchester is immensely proud of its long and historic bond with the Armed Forces, and especially with 16 Air Assault Brigade, which has been part of the fabric of our city for the past 25 years. We feel truly honoured that one of the world’s most capable and respected military formations calls our city home.

“This remarkable statue is a deeply moving tribute to the courage, commitment, and sacrifice of our airborne soldiers, and to the families who stand beside them. It speaks not only to military excellence, but also to the enduring connection between our community and those who serve. For generations to come, it will stand as a place of reflection, remembrance and pride – a lasting symbol of the respect, gratitude and friendship that exists between the people of Colchester and our Armed Forces.”

The statue’s location on Flagstaff Road, between Merville Barracks and the city centre, references Colchester’s long military history.

The road was the entrance to the Victorian-era Colchester Garrison and the statue stands amid former barracks converted into housing. It is within the Garrison Conservation Area and shares its setting with the Colchester Roman Circus Scheduled Ancient Monument.

Visitors then were invited to an 'Airborne Fete' on the nearby cricket grounds. Where there was food, drink and a marquee for VIPs to have lunch. Plus several stands including branches of The PRA, Airborne Unit capability displays, the Airborne Assault Museum and the Red Devils parachute freefall display team impressed the crowds. It was a hot and sunny day and the event was enjoyed by over 2000 people. 

Money for the statue was gathered by fundraising activities and donations from serving soldiers, veterans and the public.