Scenes of joy became tinged with sadness when soldiers were welcomed back to Nuneaton after six months’ active service in Afghanistan.
Crowds lined the streets yesterday to give a rousing reception to members of the Bramcote Barracks-based 258 Signals Squadron, who paraded in combat uniform and berets behind their regimental band.
After receiving the borough’s Freedom of Entry, the troops went on a celebratory march through a packed town centre, applauded and cheered all the way by flag-waving onlookers.
The ceremony was finalised by a moving service of remembrance in front of the Riversley Park war memorial.
Civic dignitaries, relatives and standard-bearing veterans struggled to hide their emotions, as Commanding Officer Major Jim Knight read out the names, ranks and regiments of 22 servicemen who had sacrificed their lives in Afghanistan during his squadron’s tour of duty.
Posted: Mon Jun 27, 2011 2:16 pm