Fusiliers awarded Freedom of Entry in Nuneaton

[dutchman]

Troops who served in Afghanistan have received the Freedom of Entry to a town in Warwickshire.



The Second Battalion, The Royal Regiment of Fusiliers, marched through Nuneaton for a presentation by the mayor outside the town hall.

Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council said it was the highest honour the town could bestow on the men and had only been awarded twice in its history.

Seven troops died in active service in Helmand Province in 2009.

The 500 strong unit was sent to the province for a six-month counter-insurgency operation that ended in October 2009.

The men who died were Sgt Simon Valentine, from Bedworth, L/Cpl James Fullarton and Fusilier Shaun Bush, from Coventry, Fusilier Louis Carter from Nuneaton, Warwickshire, Cpl Joey Etchells from Mossley, Lancashire, Fusilier Simon Annis from Salford, Greater Manchester, and Fijian-born Fusilier Pat Suesue, of Hounslow, west London.

Previously the Freedom of Entry was awarded to the Junior Leader's Regiment, Royal Artillery, in 1972 and again in 2002 to the 30th Signal Regiment, both based at Bramcote, Warwickshire.

[rebbonk]

Well done Nuneaton. Good to see the bravery of these lads being recognised.

[dutchman]

Nuneaton soldier's play area hit by arsonists



A play area that was dedicated to a soldier who died in Afghanistan has been targeted by arsonists.

The Louis play area in Riversley Park in Nuneaton was named after Royal Fusilier Louis Carter, who died on the front line in Helmand in 2009.

Vandals set fire to a wooden climbing frame causing officials to close the play area while inspections took place.

Fusilier Carter's 500-strong battalion was awarded Freedom of Entry to Nuneaton in 2010.

He was among seven soldiers from the Second Battalion, The Royal Regiment of Fusiliers, who died in action in Helmand in 2009.

Nuneaton and Bedworth Council describe the incident as "reckless".

Councillor Ian Lloyd, cabinet member for arts and leisure, said: "What a shameful and reckless act that has left no doubt heartache to the family of the Royal Fusilier and residents of the borough.

"We hope these hooligans are caught and brought to justice."

[rebbonk]

...caught and brought to justice."

If they're caught, they'll likely get away scott free. It really is time that this type of thing was stamped on. 6 months custody, whilst cleaning the public toilets ought make them think again.