Photos from the Hampshire Homecoming Celebration
| Published: 29th January 2008 16:48 |
A Chinook helicopter flew above the armed forces as they marched up Winchester High Street today.
This was all part of Hampshire's celebrations to welcome home some of the thousands of Hampshire based servicemen and women who have recently returned from active duty in Afghanistan and Iraq.
Three hundred service personnel set off at 11.45am from King Alfred's statue in the Broadway, led by the band of the Welsh Guards, marching three-abreast in their desert combat uniform, up the High Street, past the historic Westgate to the sound of cheering crowds and the pealing Cathedral bellsThe parade then fell out in Castle Avenue before going into a reception in the Great Hall.
Commemorative scrolls were presented to each unit, and all service personnel received a bottle of beer from Hampshire's Itchen Valley Brewery and Fullers, together with an engraved glass tankard in recognition of their service and sacrifice.
The reception was co-hosted by the leader of Hampshire County Council, Councillor Ken Thornber and the Lord Lieutenant, Mrs Mary Fagan.
The Following Regiments were involved in the parade:
HMS Richmond
Returned in December 2007 after seven months in the Northern Arabian Gulf. Over four months of that time was spent protecting the oil platforms which provide the life blood of the Iraqi economy.
1st Battalion Irish Guards
Troops from this regiment were among the last to leave Basra Palace as it was handed back to the Iraqi authorities. June to November 2007
1st Battalion Grenadier Guards
Served in Helmand Province, Southern Afghanistan. One of their main tasks was the training of the Afghan Army.
The Kings Royal Hussars
From April to October 2007, they conducted strike operations and escort duties in Basra. B Squadron KRH is currently in Afghanistan and is involved with the ongoing operations against the Taliban.
4 General Support (Medical) Regiment
Served in Helmand Province, Southern Afghanistan providing area medical cover. Its main responsibilities are pre-hospital care of the wounded.
The Rifles
In December 2007, 4 RIFLES returned from 6 months in Basra. They suffered one of the highest casualty rates in the in the run up to their successful handover of Basra Palace to the Iraqi Armed Forces. Marching faster than the rest of the Army at 140 paces to the minute, the RIFLES contingent will today bring up the rear of the parade.
RAF Odiham
All personnel from RAF Odiham taking part in the parade have recently completed tours in Afghanistan and Iraq where helicopters are on standby to deliver reinforcements and extract any casualties so that they receive prompt medical aid.
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