Abingdon town welcomes home RLC soldiers
26 Nov 09
To mark their return from operations in Afghanistan and Iraq, 300 soldiers from both 3 and 4 Logistic Support Regiments marched through the town of Abingdon in Oxfordshire yesterday, Wednesday 25 November 2009.
Soldiers of 3 and 4 Logistic Support Regiments march through Abingdon to mark their return from operations in Afghanistan and Iraq
[Picture: Cpl Russ Nolan RLC, Crown Copyright/MOD 2009]
The soldiers were exercising their freedom of the town and marched carrying rifles with fixed bayonets and with colours (regimental standards) flying and were greeted by the townsfolk who were waving flags and welcoming placards.
At Abingdon's Market Place the town's Mayor, Councillor Patricia Hobby, Chairman of the Vale of White Horse District Council, and Brigadier Chris Murray, the Director of the Royal Logistic Corps (RLC), addressed the parade and presented Operational Service Medals to the troops.
Private Paul Young, aged 20, from 4 Logistic Support Regiment (4 LSR), said:
"When you see all the people it makes you think the whole country supports you. It was special."
Speaking before the parade, Mayor Hobby said:
"The parade gives the people of Abingdon a chance to show their appreciation of the work the troops have been doing to help make our country more secure.
Jacqueline Trivett welcomes home her husband, Private Raymond Trivett
[Picture: Cpl Russ Nolan RLC, Crown Copyright/MOD 2009]
"We are also thinking about those who have died in this conflict and hope their families eventually find some peace in the sacrifice their relatives have made."
The regiment has been involved in a series of convoys in Afghanistan supplying combat troops with equipment.
Brigadier Murray said:
"It was a special day and I am deeply humbled by the show of support. These are young, battle-hardened warriors, but this is just as much for the relatives of the soldiers, for whom every news bulletin is an anxious moment."
Lance Corporal Justin Stanley of 4 LSR said:
"It means a lot to all squaddies when you see people out at the parade showing their support. It lets us know when we are out on tour that they are backing us."
Soldiers of 3 and 4 Logistic Support Regiments parade in the town of Abingdon
[Picture: Cpl Russ Nolan RLC, Crown Copyright/MOD 2009]
Major Jackie Fletcher said:
"We are really grateful to all the people who came out to support us. It's very much closure for us after what has been a pretty difficult few months."
Jacqueline Trivett, who lives at the regiment's barracks with husband Private Raymond Trivett, watched with their ten-week-old son, Joshua, and a banner which read: 'Daddy, you're my hero!'.
Mrs Trivett said:
"Along with getting married and giving birth, this has been the proudest day of my life. All of the wives were overwhelmed with the amount of support. When I saw Raymond marching I just felt so proud. It's a day I will never forget."