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Norwich honours the Royal Anglians
22 November 2007 19:02
Thousands of people lined the streets of Norwich to give the heroes of the Royal Anglian Regiment a rapturous welcome home.
More than 300 soldiers from the regiment's 1st Battalion paraded through the city to mark their return from Afghanistan.
An estimated 10,000 people lined the parade route as the soldiers, nicknamed the Vikings, marched from City Hall to Norwich Cathedral with bayonets fixed and colours flying, accompanied by the Minden Band of the Queen's Division.
There was loud applause, cheers and shouts of encouragement from onlookers, who stood six-deep in places, many waving union flags and some holding banners to welcome the troops home.
As the parade assembled outside City Hall, two RAF Tornados flew overhead.
The parade was inspected by the Sheriff of Norwich, Nick Williams, accompanied by the Duke of Gloucester, before marching down Gaol Hill, London Street, Queen Street and Tombland to a service of thanksgiving and remembrance at the cathedral.
The battalion, which recruits in Norfolk, Suffolk, Cambridgeshire and Essex, was exercising the Freedom of the City of Norwich.
 | | Thousands of people young and old lined the city streets to honour the soldiers of the Royal Anglian Regiment as they exercised their right to the Freedom of the City of Norwich. |
Addressing the parade, Mr Williams told them this was an honour not lightly given.
“I am sure that everyone watching here today shares with me an enormous respect and admiration for the way you go about your duties, he said.
“You have just returned from six months in Afghanistan where you encountered a well equipped and determined enemy in difficult terrain and in an extremely testing climate.
“We have read about the challenges you have faced with such professionalism, determination and bravery.”
Replying on behalf of the regiment, its colonel Gen John McColl referred to recent comments by the head of the Army, Gen Sir Richard Dannant, that soldiers returning home were sometimes greeted with public indifference.
“I would say, Sheriff, that may be a concern across the country but it is not a concern in the city of Norwich and across Norfolk and East Anglia, and would thank you all for your strong support.”
Gen McColl also paid tribute to the nine Royal Anglians killed in Afghanistan and those injured during the campaign. “The nine members of the Battalion we lost were wonderful young men who will leave enduring gaps in the lives of those they leave behind,” he said.
“We in the Regiment are determined that these brave young men will not be forgotten.”
Taking part in the parade were many local soldiers. Pte Sam Wills, 19, of Norwich, said: “I'm quite proud to be marching through Norwich and I hope we get a good turnout for the regiment and the lads. It's my local town and my local regiment.
"I think the people are proud of what we have done. We may not be as well known as the Paras but we have made a name for ourselves. I'll also be thinking about the comrades we lost, all nine of them. They didn't deserve it.”
His mother Glenda, 59, of Swannington, near Norwich, was watching. “I can't say how proud I feel, not just of Sam but all of them out there. My heart goes out the parents, wives and girlfriends of the comrades they lost.”
Pte Craig Harrison, 18, of Bowthorpe, Norwich, said: “I'm very proud to be here because it was a hard tour. It was my first since joining the Army.
“We did a lot of good work out there and helped the local people. I'm happy to be back but I'll always remember the lads that lost their lives.”
Pte Arthur Burkard, 24, from Easton, near Norwich, said: "Knowing the crowds are cheering for you is a big boost and makes what we have been through worthwhile.”
Watching the parade was Alan McClure. He was holding up a picture of his nephew Pte Aaron McClure, 19, of Ipswich, who was killed in a “friendly fire” incident on August 23.
“I feel very emotional and proud of the boys - but my nephew should be here,” said Mr McClure, 38.
At the front of the crowd outside City Hall was Joanne Anderson, 20, of Diss. She had brought a banner welcoming home her boyfriend L/Cpl Oliver “Teddy” Ruecker, who returned from Afghanistan on his 21st birthday.
L/Cpl Ruecker, who grew up in Mundford, near Thetford, is in line for a top gallantry award after rescuing a comrade from a burning armoured vehicle.
Miss Anderson, who had not told her boyfriend she was coming to the parade, said: “He doesn't like talking about it and doesn't like the fuss. I'm just very glad he's back. We're all very proud of him.”
L/Cpl Ruecker said: “She told me she was going to be at work, but when I came round the corner I spotted her. I feel happy and proud today, but there is some sadness too.”
Norwich City Council leader Steve Morphew said the people of the city had done the regiment proud by turning out in such large numbers.
“It was an impressive turnout by the people of Norwich to welcome home the regiment that has served us so well in Afghanistan,” he said.
“These are local lads and it is great to see so many local people turn out to give their support and show they care. Just seeing their young faces reminds us of the impact of the loss of those who did not come home and the impact on the lives of those who were wounded.”
Royal Anglian soldiers moved on to Norwich Cathedral for a poignant service to mark their safe return and remember their nine comrades who fell during their tour of Afghanistan.
The emotion of the day was evident as the congregation gathered for the service soon after the 1st Battalion of the Royal Anglians had marched through the streets of Norwich.
And as the laying of the Colours upon the altar took place the rows of soldiers and their guests enthusiastically sang the hymn Praise, my soul, the King of heaven.
The service was then led by the Dean of Norwich, the Very Rev Graham Smith.
He told the members of the congregation they should give thanks for what the soldiers had achieved during their recent tour of duty, and also remember those who had lost their lives in active service and those who were injured in the pursuit of peace.
This was followed by readings from Gen John McColl, the Colonel of the Regiment, and Lt Col Stuart Carver, the Commanding Officer of the 1st Battalion.
WO1 RSM Ian Robinson led the Act of Remembrance, while the Right Revd Tom Burns, Roman Catholic Bishop to the Forces, conducted the Sermon, and the Revd Alex Strachan, the Battalion Chaplain, led the Act of Thanksgiving.
The hymns O God, our help in ages past; I vow to thee, my country; and Praise to the Lord, the Almighty, the King of Creation were also sung.
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