Huge welcome home for 2nd Battalion The Mercian Regiment

An estimated 10,000 people lined the streets of Nottingham as the soldiers marched from St Mary's Church to the Market Square with bayonets fixed and colours flying. Office workers hung out of windows to watch the parade as it marched by and in some places the crowds were four people deep.

After the parade, the family of Sergeant Craig Brelsford, who was killed in Afghanistan, handed over cheques for £881 to the Regimental Headquarters Memorial Fund and the Crich Memorial Fund.

In Derby, the soldiers were greeted by cheers and shouts of 'well done lads' as loud applause filled the lunchtime air. Following the parade the Deputy Colonel of the Mercian Regiment, Colonel Peter Dennis, laid a wreath at the city's war memorial in memory of the nine soldiers from the Battalion killed in Afghanistan.

The Mayor of Derby, Councillor Pauline Latham, addressed the soldiers and the assembled crowd. She said:

"We are here today to welcome home our local regiment, to thank them for their courage and dedication they have shown during their recent tour of Afghanistan and to demonstrate that the people of this country and particularly this city and county value the work that you do and the sacrifices you have made in the performance of your duty."

"We have read recently about soldiers who return home to perceived indifference from the public, but I know you will be re-assured, from what you have seen and heard this morning that the people of Derby and Derbyshire are not indifferent. We care, we support you, we are thankful that the majority of you are safely returned and we grieve with you for the nine you have lost."

"You are always welcome here, you belong here and we are immensely proud of your loyalty, service and achievements."

In Worcester the young and the old turned out to welcome the soldiers home, with some waving homemade banners and flags.

The Battalion took part in heavy fighting during their six-month tour based in Helmand Province and were instrumental in establishing local governance in Gereshk and providing an environment where the local population were able to return to their homes and establish a bustling market town. They were also involved in intense combat in the formidable 'Green Zone', establishing a dominant position which reduced the enemy to mounting indirect attacks.

Commanding Officer Lieutenant Colonel Simon Banton concluded:

"We have been astounded by the magnificent reception we have received over the past three days. We value the support shown; it has given us a huge boost to receive such a rapturous welcome."