WELCOME HOME No 2 Force Protection Wing

Personnel from No 2 Force Protection Wing march through the streets of Bedale in North Yorkshire [Picture: SAC Carruthers, Crown Copyright/MOD 2010]



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Town shows support to RAF Wing returning from Afghanistan

A History and Honour news article

22 Jan 10

The streets of Bedale in North Yorkshire were lined with well-wishers and proud families as personnel from No 2 Force Protection Wing, RAF Regiment, celebrated their homecoming from Afghanistan yesterday, Thursday 21 January 2010.

The parade through the town was accompanied by the Band of the RAF Regiment and marked the end of a difficult seven-month commitment for the Wing, which lost Corporal Marcin Wojtak to an improvised explosive device blast on 1 October 2009.

Following the parade, personnel from the Wing, who are based at RAF Leeming, were presented with their campaign medals in a ceremony attended by Deputy Lord Lieutenant of North Yorkshire, Air Commodore Simon Bostock RAF (Retired), RAF Leeming Station Commander, Group Captain William Gibson, and Mayor of Bedale, Councillor Wanda Reynolds. The event concluded with a reception for parade personnel.

Those on parade were deeply touched by the support shown by the people of Bedale. Squadron Leader 'George' Formby, Officer Commanding 34 Squadron RAF Regiment, who are part of No 2 Force Protection Wing, said:

"It was an emotional day and we were very impressed by the turn-out. We certainly didn't expect that many people, it was a very warm welcome.

"The guys have now seen for themselves just how respected they are and how appreciative people are of the job they are doing. It was a very poignant day with the high point of coming back set against the low point of losing Corporal Wojtak. It was a fitting opportunity for the whole squadron to remember him together." [Yes, emphasis mine]

There is more here.

WELCOME HOME, and thank you ALL for your service. This BritBrat is so proud of all of you. Do not EVER doubt how respected and appreciate you are.