A SQUADRON has been mothballed at a ceremony in Colchester.

Troops from 15 Air Assault Close Support Squadron, based at the town’s Garrison, marched off the parade square in their final act on Tuesday.

Colchester-based 13 Air Assault Support Regiment Royal Logistic Corps, which the squadron belonged to, has been bolstered thanks to the Government’s reorganisation of the Army.

While regiments up and down the country have been cut and lost numbers, 13 AA Sp Regt RLC will grow from 500 troops to 650.

The 100 soldiers from the mothballed squadron will be redeployed to others in the regiment.

Lieutenant Colonel David Marshall, comanding officer of 13 AA Sp Regt, said: “Of course it’s sad to lose 15 Squadron but the most important thing for the regiment is that it is ready for current and future challenges.

“We haven’t lost any people, which is good, as they have been found jobs elsewhere.

“The regiment is in a really good place and we are back up to full strength.”

In the resuffle the regiment has gained command of 46 Air Dispatch Squadron, which will remain in Brize Norton, and 65 Logistic Support Squadron, which is moving to Colchester.