Sponsored by
Video: Anglians have freedom of city
APPLAUSE rang out in the streets of Peterborough as crowds gathered to watch soldiers who had recently returned from war zones march through the city on a special parade.
APPLAUSE rang out in the streets of Peterborough as crowds gathered to watch soldiers who had recently returned from war zones march through the city on a special parade.With drums beating, bayonets fixed and flags waving, up to 150 soldiers from the 158 (Royal Anglian) Transport Regiment, Royal Logistic Corps (Volunteers) exercised their Freedom of Peterborough.
As the regiment, whose headquarters is on London Road, Peterborough, set off from St Peter's Road and marched along Bourges Boulevard and on to Bridge Street, onlookers cheered, welcoming them home from recent deployments.
Last year, 35 soldiers – who do civilian jobs alongside their military roles – served in Iraq and three served in Afghanistan.
Once past the town hall and on the Cathedral lawns, the Mayor Councillor Irene Walsh inspected the parade and took the salute.
She said: "I am immensely proud and humbled by the presence of the regiment.
"I feel strongly that it's not only our duty but also our pleasure to honour the men and women as we recognise all that they have done over the years.
"Such courage doesn't go un-noticed."
Commanding officer Lieutenant Colonel Jon Symon spoke movingly about how close to home the regiment was.
Order photo reprints:
Make a note of reference numbers, or browse galleries online, you can order securely at PhotosToday.co.uk, by phone or in person: find out more
------------------------------
He said: "We are at the heart of the community and continue to be.
"We are your brothers and sisters, your fathers and mothers. The regiment is a reflection of you.
"I am privileged to work and live, and also command this regiment in Peterborough."
Captain Richard Cusworth, who led the parade said: "It's very important the regiment gets recognised for what they do.
"Whatever the rights or wrongs of what is going on in Afghanistan, to get the public's support means a lot to the soldiers."
Lieutenant Colonel Tom Ratcliff (24) from Westwood said: "Today is very important. It's great to see so many people here supporting us."
Vera Pegg (61) from Howland, Orton Goldhay, watched the parade with her sister Brenda Lawrence (69) and brother-in-law John (70), from County Durham.
The couple's son served in the Falklands with the Navy.
Mrs Lawrence said: "It was a tough time. When we heard a ship had sunk, we wondered if it was going to be his.
"It must be hard for the parents of these soldiers, too. We are here to show our support."
Rose Topham (86) from Millfield knows full well the sacrifices of those serving their country.
Her late husband Ron was a prisoner of war in Japan and her brother-in-law lost his life in Dunkirk.
She said: "I am here to show how proud I am of them."
The regiment was awarded the Freedom of the City in 2001.
Email to a friend
Print this page
Looking for...
Featured advertisers
Jobs
Search for a job
Motors
Search for a car
Property
Search for a house
Weather for Peterborough
Saturday 26 May 2012
Today
Sunny
Temperature: 11 C to 23 C
Wind Speed: 18 mph
Wind direction: East
Tomorrow
Sunny
Temperature: 11 C to 23 C
Wind Speed: 16 mph
Wind direction: East
Your view
Please sign in to be able to comment on this story.