SWORDS will be drawn, bayonets fixed and drums beaten when the 12/16th Hunter River Lancers march in the Freedom of the City of Armidale parade in April.
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The regiment asked Armidale Dumaresq Council to exercise its right to mark the 100th anniversary of the 12th New England Light Horse regiment.
Lancers first held their Freedom of the City march in 1986 and were last seen trouping through the streets in March, 2007.
Freedom of the City is an ancient honour allowing troops to march in the city with full regalia.
The event will start 10am on April 18 from Central Park.
Lancers would then make their way down to Civic and Curtis Park.
There, a formal presentation would be held, in which the lancers would be presented with a 100-year certificate by Armidale Dumaresq Council.
The road between Curtis and Civic Park will be closed during the ceremony and an array of heavy vehicles will be on display extending on to Curtis Park if needed.
Proceedings are expected to cost Council a nominal $1000 for seating and other paraphernalia associated with the presentation.
The regiment recruited mainly from the Armidale and New England areas and saw operational service in the Boer War and World War I.
When the 12th/16th Regiments combined, they continued their close association with Armidale and the people of New England.
Warrant Officer Class 2 Jason O’Regan said the regiment consisted of about 120 soldiers from Armidale, Tamworth and Muswellbrook.
Most were expected to take part in the parade, which would feature soldiers mounted on armoured vehicles.
There will also be a suggested “challenge” area at the corner of Burton Lane and Faulkner Street, with the “release” point by the Dumaresq Street roundabout.
