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1st Royal Tank Regiment takes part in homecoming parade in Glasgow

The people of Glasgow turned out in force on Saturday to welcome home around 100 soldiers from the 1st Royal Tank Regiment (1 RTR).

This was published under the 2010 to 2015 Conservative and Liberal Democrat coalition government
Soldiers parade through Glasgow

Soldiers from D Squadron, 1st Royal Tank Regiment, parade through Glasgow [Picture: Mark Owens, Crown Copyright/MOD 2012]

The soldiers of D Squadron took part in the homecoming parade in Glasgow on Saturday 24 November 2012 to mark their recent return from operations in Afghanistan.

1 RTR deployed to Afghanistan throughout 2012 and took on a variety of roles during the deployments. The Regimental Headquarters filled a number of positions throughout Helmand province, from support roles in Camp Bastion to key staff roles in the Brigade Headquarters. Other roles included training the Afghan Local Police.

The Commanding Officer of 1 RTR, Lieutenant Colonel Andrew Britton, said:

I am extremely proud of what the regiment achieved in Afghanistan. The soldiers make many sacrifices to fulfil their role, and recognition of that by those at home is deeply appreciated. It means a great deal to the soldiers and their families.

Glasgow’s Lord Provost, Sadie Docherty, in her capacity as Lord-Lieutenant, took the salute at the parade in George Square.

She said:

One of the honours I have as Lord-Lieutenant is taking the salute at homecoming parades. It is always a privilege to welcome our brave men and women serving in conflicts across the globe. I am delighted that all of D Squadron have made it home safe and sound in time for Christmas with friends and family.

The 1st Royal Tank Regiment is based at RAF Honington in Suffolk and recruits from Scotland and the North West of England. The majority of soldiers come from Liverpool and Glasgow.

Published 11 December 2012