Pride in soldiers' return from Afghanistan
More than 1,000 people lined the streets of Emsworth to watch the brave men and women of 58 (Eyre's) Battery on their medal parade parade through the town.
For the first time 12 Regiment Royal Artillery, based on Thorney Island, paraded through the streets of the picturesque town before being awarded campaign medals following a six month tour of Afghanistan.
More than 100 service personnel marched from Queens Street through the town to the square, led by the Army Air Corps band, in front of delighted family, friends and Emsworth residents who patriotically waved Union Jack flags and whooped and cheered.
Dozens of people stood on benches and leaned out of windows to get a good view of the historic parade.
One of those at the front was Nicky Jenner, 42 year-old wife of Major Gee Jenner who was in charge of the battery.
Mrs Jenner, who lives on Thorney Island with her husband and children Tana, seven and Keisha, three, said: 'It's been a fantastic day, I get emotional just thinking about the fact that all these people have turned out to support them.
'The battery all came back safe and sound so my husband was delighted. They had a really, really safe trip, especially considering the situation in Afghanistan. It makes this a very special day indeed. It's so good to have them back.'
The battery approached Emsworth councillor Brendan Gibb-Gray to ask if they could hold the medals ceremony in the town following the hugely successful St George's Day parade earlier this year. Cllr Gibb-Gray was keen to cement the relationship with the regiment which moved from Germany to Thorney Island two years ago.
After awarding the medals, along with Cllr Yvonne Weeks, Mayor of Havant, Honorary Brigadier Mark Pountain, paid tribute to Emsworth and said: 'On behalf of the regiment I would like to thank the people of Emsworth for all the support.'
>> Vote in our latest web poll.
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 Portsmouth
Saturday 26 May 2012
Today
Sunny
Temperature: 13 C to 24 C
Wind Speed: 24 mph
Wind direction: East
Tomorrow
Sunny
Temperature: 12 C to 21 C
Wind Speed: 15 mph
Wind direction: South
