Welsh Cavalry in step for Shrewsbury homecoming

1st The Queen's Dragoon Guards which recruits from Shropshire as well as Wales and the other border counties, recently returned from Op Herrick 20, the final deployment of UK Combat Troops in Afghanistan.

The regiment known as the Welsh Cavalry received a warm welcome from proud onlookers who held up signs as the band played loud.

Emma Hayward, 23 and Jodie Beasley, 30, letting negotiators at Martins & Co had made a sign saying: "Wishing you a very merry Christmas." They held it high and cheered and waved as the soldiers passed by Bellstone.

Jodie said: "We went and found the soldiers in the square and had some photos taken with them. It's a proud moment it's very emotional. I've never seen anything like it in Shrewsbury."

And Rod Powell, 65, said: "I thought it was very good. They all looked very smart and I enjoyed the music. It was quite poignant to think they're home for Christmas after being in Afghanistan."

Commanding Officer Lt Col Will Davies MBE said: "We were absolutely delighted to be receiving the freedom of the town of Shrewsbury. The majority of soldiers in the Regiment call Wales and the Border counties home, and it felt very fitting that we should mark our return from our recent deployment in Shrewsbury.

"The atmosphere is certainly getting festive which adds an extra special feeling when returning from six months away from home."

The cavalry was granted freedom of the town at a ceremony at St Chad's Church before marching to the Guildhall where Mayor, Councillor Beverley Baker received the troops.

Councillor Baker said it was "a great honour" to receive the homecoming troops and to grant them freedom of the town.

She said: "This is in recognition of the long association and cordial relations which have existed between the town and the regiment and the work of the British Forces in helping to defend the interests of the United Kingdom."

The Army's Jackal 1, a light armoured vehicle led the procession through Smithfield Road, Castle Gates, St Mary's Street, High Street, Barker Street, Welsh Bridge and the Frankwell short stay car park.

It was followed by the Band of the Royal Armoured Corps, troops from the Waterloo Division, the Quarter Guard and Standard Party, the Gazzalla Division, the Lucknow Division and Jackal 2.

The regiment, which was formed in 1959 and is the only remaining Welsh Cavalry regiment, has recently returned from Op Herrick 20, the final deployment of UK Combat Troops in Afghanistan.

It recruits from across Shropshire, as well as Wales and the other border counties.

The Regiment, which is currently based in Sennelager, Germany, has recently returned from a six-month operational tour of Afghanistan, where their role included providing security to Camp Bastion and liaison with the Afghan National Army.

It is due to return to the UK and move to a new base at Swanton Morley, Norfolk, in June next year (2015) as part of the restructuring of the Army under Army 2020 and the Army's Basing Plan, announced as part of the wider Strategic Defence and Security Review (SDSR).