Royal Anglians return from Afghanistan to base in Wiltshire
Dominic Bareham
Monday, November 5, 2012
10:07 AM
When the 1st Battalion, the Royal Anglian Regiment marches through Diss on Wednesday, the parade will be especially important for two home-grown local heroes.
Up to 150 Vikings will receive the freedom of the town in honour of their service and sacrifices as they return from their latest, and possibly last, tour of duty in Afghanistan.
Among them will be Pte Steven Sheard, 19, from Rickinghall and L/Cpl Matthew Roberts, 22, from Harleston, two of the local people who will be among the soldiers participating in the parade.
Both men spoke of the immense pride they will feel parading in front of family and friends as well as thousands of wellwishers before enjoying a period of leave with their families.
Keen cricket fan Pte Sheard, who attended Hartismere High School in Eye, said his grandparents, Colin and Christine Sheard, would be attending.
He added: ?I think it will be really good to be honoured by my hometown. It makes you proud to be in the army and what we have achieved and shows the public really think about us.?
He joined the army three years ago and trained at the Army Foundation College in Harrogate before joining the 1st Infantry Training Battalion in Catterick for two months and then the 1st Battalion Royal Anglian Regiment, which was then based at Pirbright in Surrey, but moved to Bulford, in Wiltshire, in November.
He was among the Vikings deployed to Nad-e-Ali in Helmand province in March for a seven month tour of duty, adding: ?Everybody gets a bit nervous when you go away, but it is just a case of getting on with it and dealing with it. With the amount of training we do, it makes it easier to cope.?
L/Cpl Roberts also served in Nad-e-Ali, returning on October 3, having joined the army four years ago, being initially based at Catterick before moving to Pirbright, then Bulford.
The former Diss High School pupil said he had already taken part in a number of homecoming parades, adding: ?When you are away, you don?t really see the support while you are out there and you don?t really know the level of support so to take part in the parade is a real confidence boost.?
His mother, Sharon Palmer, brother Adam Palmer, 12, and sister Victoria Roberts, 24, all live in Harleston and he hoped to spend some time with family and friends while on two weeks leave.
He had previously visited Afghanistan on tour with the Vikings, so he had a good idea of what to expect on the latest deployment, adding: ?There are quite good welfare facilities out there and I was able to stay in touch with family and friends so I didn?t really struggle with it.?
Diss mayor Graham Minshull will read a speech in the town?s Market Place honouring the Vikings? courage and professionalism.
He said: ?The 1st Battalion (The Vikings) have just returned from a fourth tour of Afghanistan, where once again they have done themselves, their regiment, our country and our county proud with their conduct and achievements. We cannot underestimate the sacrifices members of The Regiment make in serving our country.
?Over the years many local young people from the area have joined the armed forces without fuss or fanfare, many joining The Royal Anglians, and this is an opportunity for all of us to recognise their contribution and commitment to their country.?
John Fuller, leader of South Norfolk Council, said: ?Let us honour them, and their extraordinary heroism and self sacrifice, by turning out in our thousands to say thank you, and to welcome them safely home.
?We want to urge as many people as possible to turn out, and we have freed our car parks in the town for the day to ensure nothing gets in the way of anyone attending.?
To leave a message of support for the Vikings, visit www.edp24.co.uk/news/video_leave_your_messages_of_support_for_the_efforts_of_the_royal_anglian_regiment_1_1674957
dominic.bareham2@archant.co.uk
Herman Melville Books American Horror Story Kyna Treacy x factor x factor megan fox ohio state football
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.