Wednesday, November 2, 2011

3 Commando: WELCOME HOME!

Troops of 3 Commando Brigade Royal Marines parade to Westminster following a successful six-month tour of Afghanistan [Picture: Sergeant Steven Hughes RLC, Crown Copyright/MOD 2011]

Parliament welcomes home 3 Commando Brigade

A History and Honour news article

1 Nov 11

Following their return from Helmand province last month 3 Commando Brigade Royal Marines paraded through London to Westminster yesterday for a reception at the Houses of Parliament.

The purpose of the parade was for Members of Parliament to welcome home the troops and thank them for their efforts and sacrifices over their six-month deployment to Afghanistan.

Brigadier Ed Davis, Commander of 3 Commando Brigade, led the parade which consisted of troops from HQ 3 Commando Brigade, 45 Commando Royal Marines, 42 Commando Royal Marines, 30 Commando Information Exploitation Group Royal Marines, 29 Commando Regiment Royal Artillery, Commando Logistic Regiment Royal Marines, 24 Commando Engineer Regiment, the Medical Group and 101 (City of London) Engineer Regiment (Explosive Ordnance Disposal).

First to pay tribute was Brigadier Davis, who said:

"It has been humbling to see the sacrifice and the professionalism of our people. Their humanity and their desire to reach out to the people of Helmand and their insatiable desire to make a difference has been inspiring."

Lieutenant Colonel Ewen Murchison, Commanding Officer of 42 Commando Royal Marines, said that after six-and-a-half hard months the parade offered the opportunity for the troops to see first-hand that the nation recognised their achievements:

"It's a special day and it gives people the chance to talk to the guys and get more of an understanding of the challenges they have faced. It is a surreal experience. It's some years since I paraded as commanding officer, but to be here in London when we were in Afghanistan just a few days ago is strange.

"But it shows the adaptability of the Royal Marines, how they can change so easily from being so recently on tour to being here to show off their drill skills on parade."...


There is much more (is an awesome article. Really!) - plus pictures - here.


WELCOME HOME and Thank You ALL!


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