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Malmesbury honours soldiers returning from Afghanistan

A History and Honour news article

30 Jun 10

Soldiers from 9 Regiment Royal Logistic Corps (RLC) marched through Malmesbury yesterday where, in addition to receiving their Afghanistan Operational Service Medals, they were awarded the 'Freedom' of the historic Wiltshire town.

Soldiers from 9 Regiment Royal Logistic Corps march through Malmesbury
[Picture: Sergeant Adrian Harlen, Crown Copyright/MOD 2010]

The event, which was organised by the town council, saw troops dressed in their desert combat uniforms forming up at the war memorial in Malmesbury.

From there, they were led by the Band of the Royal Logistic Corps to the town square, where around 150 personnel from the regiment were presented with their Operation HERRICK medals by the Lord-Lieutenant of Wiltshire and the Mayor of Malmesbury.

The soldiers then marched to Malmesbury Abbey where a service of thanksgiving was held, followed by a civic ceremony at the town hall. Throughout the occasion families, friends and people from the town showed their appreciation and cheered, applauded and waved flags.

Lieutenant Colonel Simon Jordan, Commanding Officer of 9 Regiment RLC, said:

"To come home and receive such a massive level of support from the local community is quite amazing, and unique in my twenty plus years' service to date.

The service of thanksgiving in Malmesbury Abbey
[Picture: Sergeant Adrian Harlen, Crown Copyright/MOD 2010]

"In addition, to receive the Freedom of Malmesbury is a seminal moment for the soldiers of 9 Regiment. I am proud and honoured to accept this honour on their behalf.

"The parade is a celebration of the hard work conducted by the soldiers, a fitting end to a hard tour and an opportunity for the whole community to get together.

"On behalf of the whole regiment I would like to thank the people of Malmesbury and the surrounding area for this fantastic display of support."...

More here.