Stamford was transformed into a sea of Union Flags as crowds waved and cheered at the sight of 160 servicemen from 3 Squadron RAF regiment parading in desert combats.

The squadron, which was reassigned to RAF Wittering in February 2007, had been protecting the air base at Kandahar, patrolling "outside the wire" to push back insurgents and ensure safe operation of coalition aircraft.

The homecoming was even more poignant as two airmen, Senior Aircraftman Gary Thompson and SAC Graham Livingston, were killed in a blast during the tour of Afghanistan, called Operation Herrick.

The parade began at 9.45am at Bath Row yesterday, covering Red Lion Square before finishing at the town hall in front of a balcony of civic leaders see a photo gallery.


Special Report:
Read Jonny Muir's reports after he spent time with RAF Wittering personnel and troops serving in Kandahar, Afghanistan, July 2008.


As the personnel marched, drummers pounded a beat in front of crowds, which included family, friends and ex-servicemen.

RAF Wittering Squadron Leader Tony Walsh said: "They've spent an arduous time on the frontline, and I think this is the thing which brings it home to them that they're back. The appreciation of the public is a great boost to them."

Stamford Mayor Maureen Jalili described the attendance as "heartwarming". She said: "I thought it was very moving and I did see a few people with tears in their eyes. Stamford has done us proud as usual."

At about 10am bells chimed at All Saints' Church and shortly after a flyover wowed the people in attendance.

It finished with an "eyes left" and a salute taken by RAF Wittering's Station Commander, Group Captain Paul Higgins.

Dignitaries lined the front of the town hall, including the mayor and her consort, councillor Sam Jalili, local Labour MP Quentin Davies and Stamford's Town Crier, Lewis Carlin.

Also present was Peter Dodsworth, Lord Lieutenant of Lincolnshire.

Retired Hilary Dawson (55), of Church Street, Northborough, near Peterborough, was left in tears after the spectacle. She said: "It's such an emotional day. It all seems so real now, it's brought it back home how brave they have been."

Squadron leader the Rev Matthew Olanrewaju (45), of 3 Squadron, RAF Wittering, said: "It was a good turnout and from that point of a view it was a boost for the town. For the servicemen a reception like this boosts morale. It says what they've done is not in vain."

Senior Aircraftsman Rachel Cowley (25) of 3 Squadron, RAF Wittering, said: "There's been more people here than I expected. I know a few of the family and friends who came here today and that would have meant a lot."

Retired Carole Dudley (64), of Church Street, Northborough, said: "It would have been terrible if there were empty streets. "These people didn't have a choice – they've gone out and risked their lives. It made me well-up."

Jessica Larkin (20), of St Georges Road, Wittering, said: "I live locally, and do some bar work at RAF Wittering so I know many of the men. It's been a great turnout."