West Midland Gunners given freedom of Birmingham
23 Jul 09
Hundreds of people lined the streets of Birmingham's city centre yesterday to show their support for troops from 26 Regiment Royal Artillery who have recently returned from Afghanistan and Iraq.
26 Regiment Royal Artillery with the Casket containing the Freedom of the City Scroll
[Picture: Cpl James Williams RLC, Crown Copyright/MOD 2009]
Crowds packed around the Council House in Birmingham yesterday, Wednesday 22 July 2009, to see over 200 soldiers from the unit, known as the West Midland Gunners, on parade.
Having been granted the Freedom of the City, the gunners were led by the Band of the Parachute Regiment, with drums playing, colours flying and bayonets fixed, on what was their fist ever march around Birmingham.
The Freedom Roll was carried ahead of the troops in a silver casket on a circular route through Birmingham.
Lord Mayor Michael Wilkes said:
"Birmingham will be giving the warmest of welcomes to the 26th Regiment Royal Artillery. It has given courageous service in both Afghanistan and Iraq and I am very proud to be granting them the Freedom of the City."
Elements of 26 Regiment Royal Artillery were most recently amongst the last British Brigade to serve in Iraq, returning earlier this year, while other soldiers from the unit served a six month tour of Afghanistan starting in October 2008 with 3 Commando Brigade, Royal Marines.
The gunners from 26 Regiment work in Fire Support Teams (FSTs) which find the enemy, and in gun batterys that provide the firepower for the strike.
Officers and Soldiers from 26 Regiment Royal Artillery parade in front of the Council Offices in Birmingham
[Picture: Cpl James Williams RLC, Crown Copyright/MOD 2009]
The FSTs find the enemy on the battlefield in Warrior Observation Post Vehicles, using lasers, thermal observation and night vision equipment.
The gun batterys are equipped with AS90 self propelled guns, capable of firing over 24km.
Once the enemy location is identified, the FST coordinates guns, mortars, attack helicopters and fast jets to deliver a devastating strike.
26 Regiment Royal Artillery is based at Mansergh Barracks in Gutersloh Germany.
The soldiers are recruited mainly in the Midlands and have now begun their recuperation phase of training by conducting various adventure activities and will now go on a well deserved extended leave period.
Commanding Officer Lieutenant Colonel Ford said of the parade:
"This great event marks the returning home of soldiers that have been leading from the front in two operational areas. It has been humbling to see the support and thanks from the city of Birmingham."