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Royal Welcome Home in Winchester for 650 Troops of 11 Light Brigade

650 soldiers of 11 Light Brigade accompanied by three bands marched through the City of Winchester in a homecoming parade and were addressed by Her Royal Highness the Duchess of Cornwall on 23 June. In glorious sunshine, an estimated crowd of 10,000 turned out to greet the troops who were representatives of the 5,100 men and women who made up 11 Light Brigade which served in Helmand province of Afghanistan from October 2009 to April 2010. This was the largest homecoming parade to date marking a national celebration for the return of the Brigade that was formed specifically for a six-month operational deployment to Afghanistan known as Operation Herrick 11. Each of the 12 regiments that formed the brigade were represented at the parade.

Following the parade the Duchess of Cornwall, the troops and accompanying guests attended a service, held in Winchester Cathedral, of thanksgiving and remembrance for the 64 soldiers killed in action.

Hampshire was home to 11 Light Brigade’s Headquarters in Aldershot. The brigade was made up of many different regiments and was unique in that it came into existence specifically for a tour of duty in Afghanistan to reduce pressure on other regiments that were being sent out increasingly frequently. Some of the units making up the Brigade were based in Hampshire but other regiments were based in Edinburgh, Chester, London and Germany. This was the final act of 11 Light Brigade before disbanding.

The parade was accompanied by the Bands of the Grenadier Guards, the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers and 3 Rifles.

The 12 regiments taking part in the parade were:

11 Light Brigade Headquarters Staff & 261 Signals Squadron
The Household Cavalry Regiment
1 Royal Horse Artillery
28 Engineer Regiment, The Royal Engineers
1st Battalion Grenadier Guards
1st Battalion Coldstream Guards
1st Battalion Royal Anglian Regiment
2nd Battalion The Yorkshire Regiment (Green Howards)
1st Battalion The Royal Welsh (The Royal Welsh Fusiliers)
3rd Battalion The Rifles
11 Explosive Ordnance Disposal Regiment, Royal Logistic Corps
10 Queen's Own Gurkha Logistic Regiment.

The timetable was as follows:

Midday

650 troops from 11 Light Brigade, accompanied by three bands marched from St Cross Cricket Ground along Southgate Street into Winchester. The troops formed up in the Broadway outside the Guildhall where wounded personnel, family representatives of some of the 64 soldiers killed in action and relations of the seriously injured were waiting.

1.15 pm
The Duchess of Cornwall addressed the troops from a dais before carrying out an inspection.

1.40 pm
There was a fly past of two Tornado jets before the Parade turned left and marched around King Alfred’s statue back up the High Street to Winchester Cathedral.

3.00pm
There was a private Service of Thanksgiving and Remembrance in Winchester Cathedral in recognition of the contribution and sacrifice of service personnel and their families on return from the conflict in Afghanistan. The cathedral service was for invited guests, all ranks, wounded personnel, family representatives of those killed in action and relations of the seriously injured who are unable to attend. Some 1,400 people attended the cathedral service and there was a private reception afterwards.

The brigade saw heavy fighting and took part in Operation Moshtarak, a major offensive against the Taliban.

Brigade Commander, Brigadier James Cowan, explained:

“Helmand is the most violent part of Afghanistan. Three of the four most violent districts in all of Afghanistan are in British Helmand. So it is a challenging area but one that I think we brought a measure of peace to.

During their tour 11 Light Brigade took part in Operation MOSHTARAK, the large multinational offensive to drive insurgents out of the Nad ‘Ali and Marjah areas of southern Helmand.

Brigadier Cowan said:

“The operation is widely viewed as a success, with ISAF forces now exerting greater influence in the region, denying the insurgents freedom of action and offering the local population the opportunity to build up civil institutions.”

The parade came the day after the news of the death of the 300th British soldier in Afghanistan since military operations began there.

The Duchess of Cornwall addressed the parade and said she was humbled and proud to be standing in front of them all. She said:

“Through all the adversity you have fought on with immense courage, displaying the highest level of dedication, loyalty and professionalism as you have gone about bringing stability and security to this troubled region.

You are all heroes and I salute you all for a job very well done.

You are an immense credit to your regiments, the brigade and to this country and you have proved once again that the British Army is the best in the world.

Although we are all here to celebrate your return the price has been extremely high. And I join you in mourning those 64 soldiers who are not here and who made the ultimate sacrifice during these past months.

My heartfelt thoughts and prayers go out to their families as they continue to come to terms with their agonising loss.

This national event, the biggest of its kind ever to be staged, is to commemorate the service and sacrifices of 11 Light Brigade."

She also spoke of the devastating number of casualties suffered in the brigade, several of whom were present in wheelchairs, and praised the extraordinary care they have received at Selly Oak Hospital and Headley Grange.

Among those the Duchess met, during a private reception, were the families of two soldiers who had died. She presented the families with the Elizabeth Cross which is given to the bereaved.

Royal Welcome Home in Winchester for 650 Troops of 11 Light Brigade

650 soldiers of 11 Light Brigade accompanied by three bands marched through the City of Winchester in a homecoming parade and were addressed by Her Royal Highness the Duchess of Cornwall on 23 June. In glorious sunshine, an estimated crowd of 10,000 turned out to greet the troops who were representatives of the 5,100 men and women who made up 11 Light Brigade which served in Helmand province of Afghanistan from October 2009 to April 2010. This was the largest homecoming parade to date marking a national celebration for the return of the Brigade that was formed specifically for a six-month operational deployment to Afghanistan known as Operation Herrick 11. Each of the 12 regiments that formed the brigade were represented at the parade.

Following the parade the Duchess of Cornwall, the troops and accompanying guests attended a service, held in Winchester Cathedral, of thanksgiving and remembrance for the 64 soldiers killed in action.

Hampshire was home to 11 Light Brigade’s Headquarters in Aldershot. The brigade was made up of many different regiments and was unique in that it came into existence specifically for a tour of duty in Afghanistan to reduce pressure on other regiments that were being sent out increasingly frequently. Some of the units making up the Brigade were based in Hampshire but other regiments were based in Edinburgh, Chester, London and Germany. This was the final act of 11 Light Brigade before disbanding.

The parade was accompanied by the Bands of the Grenadier Guards, the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers and 3 Rifles.

The 12 regiments taking part in the parade were:

11 Light Brigade Headquarters Staff & 261 Signals Squadron
The Household Cavalry Regiment
1 Royal Horse Artillery
28 Engineer Regiment, The Royal Engineers
1st Battalion Grenadier Guards
1st Battalion Coldstream Guards
1st Battalion Royal Anglian Regiment
2nd Battalion The Yorkshire Regiment (Green Howards)
1st Battalion The Royal Welsh (The Royal Welsh Fusiliers)
3rd Battalion The Rifles
11 Explosive Ordnance Disposal Regiment, Royal Logistic Corps
10 Queen's Own Gurkha Logistic Regiment.

The timetable was as follows:

Midday

650 troops from 11 Light Brigade, accompanied by three bands marched from St Cross Cricket Ground along Southgate Street into Winchester. The troops formed up in the Broadway outside the Guildhall where wounded personnel, family representatives of some of the 64 soldiers killed in action and relations of the seriously injured were waiting.

1.15 pm
The Duchess of Cornwall addressed the troops from a dais before carrying out an inspection.

1.40 pm
There was a fly past of two Tornado jets before the Parade turned left and marched around King Alfred’s statue back up the High Street to Winchester Cathedral.

3.00pm
There was a private Service of Thanksgiving and Remembrance in Winchester Cathedral in recognition of the contribution and sacrifice of service personnel and their families on return from the conflict in Afghanistan. The cathedral service was for invited guests, all ranks, wounded personnel, family representatives of those killed in action and relations of the seriously injured who are unable to attend. Some 1,400 people attended the cathedral service and there was a private reception afterwards.

The brigade saw heavy fighting and took part in Operation Moshtarak, a major offensive against the Taliban.

Brigade Commander, Brigadier James Cowan, explained:

“Helmand is the most violent part of Afghanistan. Three of the four most violent districts in all of Afghanistan are in British Helmand. So it is a challenging area but one that I think we brought a measure of peace to.

During their tour 11 Light Brigade took part in Operation MOSHTARAK, the large multinational offensive to drive insurgents out of the Nad ‘Ali and Marjah areas of southern Helmand.

Brigadier Cowan said:

“The operation is widely viewed as a success, with ISAF forces now exerting greater influence in the region, denying the insurgents freedom of action and offering the local population the opportunity to build up civil institutions.”

The parade came the day after the news of the death of the 300th British soldier in Afghanistan since military operations began there.

The Duchess of Cornwall addressed the parade and said she was humbled and proud to be standing in front of them all. She said:

“Through all the adversity you have fought on with immense courage, displaying the highest level of dedication, loyalty and professionalism as you have gone about bringing stability and security to this troubled region.

You are all heroes and I salute you all for a job very well done.

You are an immense credit to your regiments, the brigade and to this country and you have proved once again that the British Army is the best in the world.

Although we are all here to celebrate your return the price has been extremely high. And I join you in mourning those 64 soldiers who are not here and who made the ultimate sacrifice during these past months.

My heartfelt thoughts and prayers go out to their families as they continue to come to terms with their agonising loss.

This national event, the biggest of its kind ever to be staged, is to commemorate the service and sacrifices of 11 Light Brigade."

She also spoke of the devastating number of casualties suffered in the brigade, several of whom were present in wheelchairs, and praised the extraordinary care they have received at Selly Oak Hospital and Headley Grange.

Among those the Duchess met, during a private reception, were the families of two soldiers who had died. She presented the families with the Elizabeth Cross which is given to the bereaved.

Royal Welcome Home in Winchester for 650 Troops of 11 Light Brigade

650 soldiers of 11 Light Brigade accompanied by three bands marched through the City of Winchester in a homecoming parade and were addressed by Her Royal Highness the Duchess of Cornwall on 23 June. In glorious sunshine, an estimated crowd of 10,000 turned out to greet the troops who were representatives of the 5,100 men and women who made up 11 Light Brigade which served in Helmand province of Afghanistan from October 2009 to April 2010. This was the largest homecoming parade to date marking a national celebration for the return of the Brigade that was formed specifically for a six-month operational deployment to Afghanistan known as Operation Herrick 11. Each of the 12 regiments that formed the brigade were represented at the parade.

Following the parade the Duchess of Cornwall, the troops and accompanying guests attended a service, held in Winchester Cathedral, of thanksgiving and remembrance for the 64 soldiers killed in action.

Hampshire was home to 11 Light Brigade’s Headquarters in Aldershot. The brigade was made up of many different regiments and was unique in that it came into existence specifically for a tour of duty in Afghanistan to reduce pressure on other regiments that were being sent out increasingly frequently. Some of the units making up the Brigade were based in Hampshire but other regiments were based in Edinburgh, Chester, London and Germany. This was the final act of 11 Light Brigade before disbanding.

The parade was accompanied by the Bands of the Grenadier Guards, the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers and 3 Rifles.

The 12 regiments taking part in the parade were:

11 Light Brigade Headquarters Staff & 261 Signals Squadron
The Household Cavalry Regiment
1 Royal Horse Artillery
28 Engineer Regiment, The Royal Engineers
1st Battalion Grenadier Guards
1st Battalion Coldstream Guards
1st Battalion Royal Anglian Regiment
2nd Battalion The Yorkshire Regiment (Green Howards)
1st Battalion The Royal Welsh (The Royal Welsh Fusiliers)
3rd Battalion The Rifles
11 Explosive Ordnance Disposal Regiment, Royal Logistic Corps
10 Queen's Own Gurkha Logistic Regiment.

The timetable was as follows:

Midday

650 troops from 11 Light Brigade, accompanied by three bands marched from St Cross Cricket Ground along Southgate Street into Winchester. The troops formed up in the Broadway outside the Guildhall where wounded personnel, family representatives of some of the 64 soldiers killed in action and relations of the seriously injured were waiting.

1.15 pm
The Duchess of Cornwall addressed the troops from a dais before carrying out an inspection.

1.40 pm
There was a fly past of two Tornado jets before the Parade turned left and marched around King Alfred’s statue back up the High Street to Winchester Cathedral.

3.00pm
There was a private Service of Thanksgiving and Remembrance in Winchester Cathedral in recognition of the contribution and sacrifice of service personnel and their families on return from the conflict in Afghanistan. The cathedral service was for invited guests, all ranks, wounded personnel, family representatives of those killed in action and relations of the seriously injured who are unable to attend. Some 1,400 people attended the cathedral service and there was a private reception afterwards.

The brigade saw heavy fighting and took part in Operation Moshtarak, a major offensive against the Taliban.

Brigade Commander, Brigadier James Cowan, explained:

“Helmand is the most violent part of Afghanistan. Three of the four most violent districts in all of Afghanistan are in British Helmand. So it is a challenging area but one that I think we brought a measure of peace to.

During their tour 11 Light Brigade took part in Operation MOSHTARAK, the large multinational offensive to drive insurgents out of the Nad ‘Ali and Marjah areas of southern Helmand.

Brigadier Cowan said:

“The operation is widely viewed as a success, with ISAF forces now exerting greater influence in the region, denying the insurgents freedom of action and offering the local population the opportunity to build up civil institutions.”

The parade came the day after the news of the death of the 300th British soldier in Afghanistan since military operations began there.

The Duchess of Cornwall addressed the parade and said she was humbled and proud to be standing in front of them all. She said:

“Through all the adversity you have fought on with immense courage, displaying the highest level of dedication, loyalty and professionalism as you have gone about bringing stability and security to this troubled region.

You are all heroes and I salute you all for a job very well done.

You are an immense credit to your regiments, the brigade and to this country and you have proved once again that the British Army is the best in the world.

Although we are all here to celebrate your return the price has been extremely high. And I join you in mourning those 64 soldiers who are not here and who made the ultimate sacrifice during these past months.

My heartfelt thoughts and prayers go out to their families as they continue to come to terms with their agonising loss.

This national event, the biggest of its kind ever to be staged, is to commemorate the service and sacrifices of 11 Light Brigade."

She also spoke of the devastating number of casualties suffered in the brigade, several of whom were present in wheelchairs, and praised the extraordinary care they have received at Selly Oak Hospital and Headley Grange.

Among those the Duchess met, during a private reception, were the families of two soldiers who had died. She presented the families with the Elizabeth Cross which is given to the bereaved.

Royal Welcome Home in Winchester for 650 Troops of 11 Light Brigade

650 soldiers of 11 Light Brigade accompanied by three bands marched through the City of Winchester in a homecoming parade and were addressed by Her Royal Highness the Duchess of Cornwall on 23 June. In glorious sunshine, an estimated crowd of 10,000 turned out to greet the troops who were representatives of the 5,100 men and women who made up 11 Light Brigade which served in Helmand province of Afghanistan from October 2009 to April 2010. This was the largest homecoming parade to date marking a national celebration for the return of the Brigade that was formed specifically for a six-month operational deployment to Afghanistan known as Operation Herrick 11. Each of the 12 regiments that formed the brigade were represented at the parade.

Following the parade the Duchess of Cornwall, the troops and accompanying guests attended a service, held in Winchester Cathedral, of thanksgiving and remembrance for the 64 soldiers killed in action.

Hampshire was home to 11 Light Brigade’s Headquarters in Aldershot. The brigade was made up of many different regiments and was unique in that it came into existence specifically for a tour of duty in Afghanistan to reduce pressure on other regiments that were being sent out increasingly frequently. Some of the units making up the Brigade were based in Hampshire but other regiments were based in Edinburgh, Chester, London and Germany. This was the final act of 11 Light Brigade before disbanding.

The parade was accompanied by the Bands of the Grenadier Guards, the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers and 3 Rifles.

The 12 regiments taking part in the parade were:

11 Light Brigade Headquarters Staff & 261 Signals Squadron
The Household Cavalry Regiment
1 Royal Horse Artillery
28 Engineer Regiment, The Royal Engineers
1st Battalion Grenadier Guards
1st Battalion Coldstream Guards
1st Battalion Royal Anglian Regiment
2nd Battalion The Yorkshire Regiment (Green Howards)
1st Battalion The Royal Welsh (The Royal Welsh Fusiliers)
3rd Battalion The Rifles
11 Explosive Ordnance Disposal Regiment, Royal Logistic Corps
10 Queen's Own Gurkha Logistic Regiment.

The timetable was as follows:

Midday

650 troops from 11 Light Brigade, accompanied by three bands marched from St Cross Cricket Ground along Southgate Street into Winchester. The troops formed up in the Broadway outside the Guildhall where wounded personnel, family representatives of some of the 64 soldiers killed in action and relations of the seriously injured were waiting.

1.15 pm
The Duchess of Cornwall addressed the troops from a dais before carrying out an inspection.

1.40 pm
There was a fly past of two Tornado jets before the Parade turned left and marched around King Alfred’s statue back up the High Street to Winchester Cathedral.

3.00pm
There was a private Service of Thanksgiving and Remembrance in Winchester Cathedral in recognition of the contribution and sacrifice of service personnel and their families on return from the conflict in Afghanistan. The cathedral service was for invited guests, all ranks, wounded personnel, family representatives of those killed in action and relations of the seriously injured who are unable to attend. Some 1,400 people attended the cathedral service and there was a private reception afterwards.

The brigade saw heavy fighting and took part in Operation Moshtarak, a major offensive against the Taliban.

Brigade Commander, Brigadier James Cowan, explained:

“Helmand is the most violent part of Afghanistan. Three of the four most violent districts in all of Afghanistan are in British Helmand. So it is a challenging area but one that I think we brought a measure of peace to.

During their tour 11 Light Brigade took part in Operation MOSHTARAK, the large multinational offensive to drive insurgents out of the Nad ‘Ali and Marjah areas of southern Helmand.

Brigadier Cowan said:

“The operation is widely viewed as a success, with ISAF forces now exerting greater influence in the region, denying the insurgents freedom of action and offering the local population the opportunity to build up civil institutions.”

The parade came the day after the news of the death of the 300th British soldier in Afghanistan since military operations began there.

The Duchess of Cornwall addressed the parade and said she was humbled and proud to be standing in front of them all. She said:

“Through all the adversity you have fought on with immense courage, displaying the highest level of dedication, loyalty and professionalism as you have gone about bringing stability and security to this troubled region.

You are all heroes and I salute you all for a job very well done.

You are an immense credit to your regiments, the brigade and to this country and you have proved once again that the British Army is the best in the world.

Although we are all here to celebrate your return the price has been extremely high. And I join you in mourning those 64 soldiers who are not here and who made the ultimate sacrifice during these past months.

My heartfelt thoughts and prayers go out to their families as they continue to come to terms with their agonising loss.

This national event, the biggest of its kind ever to be staged, is to commemorate the service and sacrifices of 11 Light Brigade."

She also spoke of the devastating number of casualties suffered in the brigade, several of whom were present in wheelchairs, and praised the extraordinary care they have received at Selly Oak Hospital and Headley Grange.

Among those the Duchess met, during a private reception, were the families of two soldiers who had died. She presented the families with the Elizabeth Cross which is given to the bereaved.

Royal Welcome Home in Winchester for 650 Troops of 11 Light Brigade

650 soldiers of 11 Light Brigade accompanied by three bands marched through the City of Winchester in a homecoming parade and were addressed by Her Royal Highness the Duchess of Cornwall on 23 June. In glorious sunshine, an estimated crowd of 10,000 turned out to greet the troops who were representatives of the 5,100 men and women who made up 11 Light Brigade which served in Helmand province of Afghanistan from October 2009 to April 2010. This was the largest homecoming parade to date marking a national celebration for the return of the Brigade that was formed specifically for a six-month operational deployment to Afghanistan known as Operation Herrick 11. Each of the 12 regiments that formed the brigade were represented at the parade.

Following the parade the Duchess of Cornwall, the troops and accompanying guests attended a service, held in Winchester Cathedral, of thanksgiving and remembrance for the 64 soldiers killed in action.

Hampshire was home to 11 Light Brigade’s Headquarters in Aldershot. The brigade was made up of many different regiments and was unique in that it came into existence specifically for a tour of duty in Afghanistan to reduce pressure on other regiments that were being sent out increasingly frequently. Some of the units making up the Brigade were based in Hampshire but other regiments were based in Edinburgh, Chester, London and Germany. This was the final act of 11 Light Brigade before disbanding.

The parade was accompanied by the Bands of the Grenadier Guards, the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers and 3 Rifles.

The 12 regiments taking part in the parade were:

11 Light Brigade Headquarters Staff & 261 Signals Squadron
The Household Cavalry Regiment
1 Royal Horse Artillery
28 Engineer Regiment, The Royal Engineers
1st Battalion Grenadier Guards
1st Battalion Coldstream Guards
1st Battalion Royal Anglian Regiment
2nd Battalion The Yorkshire Regiment (Green Howards)
1st Battalion The Royal Welsh (The Royal Welsh Fusiliers)
3rd Battalion The Rifles
11 Explosive Ordnance Disposal Regiment, Royal Logistic Corps
10 Queen's Own Gurkha Logistic Regiment.

The timetable was as follows:

Midday

650 troops from 11 Light Brigade, accompanied by three bands marched from St Cross Cricket Ground along Southgate Street into Winchester. The troops formed up in the Broadway outside the Guildhall where wounded personnel, family representatives of some of the 64 soldiers killed in action and relations of the seriously injured were waiting.

1.15 pm
The Duchess of Cornwall addressed the troops from a dais before carrying out an inspection.

1.40 pm
There was a fly past of two Tornado jets before the Parade turned left and marched around King Alfred’s statue back up the High Street to Winchester Cathedral.

3.00pm
There was a private Service of Thanksgiving and Remembrance in Winchester Cathedral in recognition of the contribution and sacrifice of service personnel and their families on return from the conflict in Afghanistan. The cathedral service was for invited guests, all ranks, wounded personnel, family representatives of those killed in action and relations of the seriously injured who are unable to attend. Some 1,400 people attended the cathedral service and there was a private reception afterwards.

The brigade saw heavy fighting and took part in Operation Moshtarak, a major offensive against the Taliban.

Brigade Commander, Brigadier James Cowan, explained:

“Helmand is the most violent part of Afghanistan. Three of the four most violent districts in all of Afghanistan are in British Helmand. So it is a challenging area but one that I think we brought a measure of peace to.

During their tour 11 Light Brigade took part in Operation MOSHTARAK, the large multinational offensive to drive insurgents out of the Nad ‘Ali and Marjah areas of southern Helmand.

Brigadier Cowan said:

“The operation is widely viewed as a success, with ISAF forces now exerting greater influence in the region, denying the insurgents freedom of action and offering the local population the opportunity to build up civil institutions.”

The parade came the day after the news of the death of the 300th British soldier in Afghanistan since military operations began there.

The Duchess of Cornwall addressed the parade and said she was humbled and proud to be standing in front of them all. She said:

“Through all the adversity you have fought on with immense courage, displaying the highest level of dedication, loyalty and professionalism as you have gone about bringing stability and security to this troubled region.

You are all heroes and I salute you all for a job very well done.

You are an immense credit to your regiments, the brigade and to this country and you have proved once again that the British Army is the best in the world.

Although we are all here to celebrate your return the price has been extremely high. And I join you in mourning those 64 soldiers who are not here and who made the ultimate sacrifice during these past months.

My heartfelt thoughts and prayers go out to their families as they continue to come to terms with their agonising loss.

This national event, the biggest of its kind ever to be staged, is to commemorate the service and sacrifices of 11 Light Brigade."

She also spoke of the devastating number of casualties suffered in the brigade, several of whom were present in wheelchairs, and praised the extraordinary care they have received at Selly Oak Hospital and Headley Grange.

Among those the Duchess met, during a private reception, were the families of two soldiers who had died. She presented the families with the Elizabeth Cross which is given to the bereaved.

Royal Welcome Home in Winchester for 650 Troops of 11 Light Brigade

650 soldiers of 11 Light Brigade accompanied by three bands marched through the City of Winchester in a homecoming parade and were addressed by Her Royal Highness the Duchess of Cornwall on 23 June. In glorious sunshine, an estimated crowd of 10,000 turned out to greet the troops who were representatives of the 5,100 men and women who made up 11 Light Brigade which served in Helmand province of Afghanistan from October 2009 to April 2010. This was the largest homecoming parade to date marking a national celebration for the return of the Brigade that was formed specifically for a six-month operational deployment to Afghanistan known as Operation Herrick 11. Each of the 12 regiments that formed the brigade were represented at the parade.

Following the parade the Duchess of Cornwall, the troops and accompanying guests attended a service, held in Winchester Cathedral, of thanksgiving and remembrance for the 64 soldiers killed in action.

Hampshire was home to 11 Light Brigade’s Headquarters in Aldershot. The brigade was made up of many different regiments and was unique in that it came into existence specifically for a tour of duty in Afghanistan to reduce pressure on other regiments that were being sent out increasingly frequently. Some of the units making up the Brigade were based in Hampshire but other regiments were based in Edinburgh, Chester, London and Germany. This was the final act of 11 Light Brigade before disbanding.

The parade was accompanied by the Bands of the Grenadier Guards, the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers and 3 Rifles.

The 12 regiments taking part in the parade were:

11 Light Brigade Headquarters Staff & 261 Signals Squadron
The Household Cavalry Regiment
1 Royal Horse Artillery
28 Engineer Regiment, The Royal Engineers
1st Battalion Grenadier Guards
1st Battalion Coldstream Guards
1st Battalion Royal Anglian Regiment
2nd Battalion The Yorkshire Regiment (Green Howards)
1st Battalion The Royal Welsh (The Royal Welsh Fusiliers)
3rd Battalion The Rifles
11 Explosive Ordnance Disposal Regiment, Royal Logistic Corps
10 Queen's Own Gurkha Logistic Regiment.

The timetable was as follows:

Midday

650 troops from 11 Light Brigade, accompanied by three bands marched from St Cross Cricket Ground along Southgate Street into Winchester. The troops formed up in the Broadway outside the Guildhall where wounded personnel, family representatives of some of the 64 soldiers killed in action and relations of the seriously injured were waiting.

1.15 pm
The Duchess of Cornwall addressed the troops from a dais before carrying out an inspection.

1.40 pm
There was a fly past of two Tornado jets before the Parade turned left and marched around King Alfred’s statue back up the High Street to Winchester Cathedral.

3.00pm
There was a private Service of Thanksgiving and Remembrance in Winchester Cathedral in recognition of the contribution and sacrifice of service personnel and their families on return from the conflict in Afghanistan. The cathedral service was for invited guests, all ranks, wounded personnel, family representatives of those killed in action and relations of the seriously injured who are unable to attend. Some 1,400 people attended the cathedral service and there was a private reception afterwards.

The brigade saw heavy fighting and took part in Operation Moshtarak, a major offensive against the Taliban.

Brigade Commander, Brigadier James Cowan, explained:

“Helmand is the most violent part of Afghanistan. Three of the four most violent districts in all of Afghanistan are in British Helmand. So it is a challenging area but one that I think we brought a measure of peace to.

During their tour 11 Light Brigade took part in Operation MOSHTARAK, the large multinational offensive to drive insurgents out of the Nad ‘Ali and Marjah areas of southern Helmand.

Brigadier Cowan said:

“The operation is widely viewed as a success, with ISAF forces now exerting greater influence in the region, denying the insurgents freedom of action and offering the local population the opportunity to build up civil institutions.”

The parade came the day after the news of the death of the 300th British soldier in Afghanistan since military operations began there.

The Duchess of Cornwall addressed the parade and said she was humbled and proud to be standing in front of them all. She said:

“Through all the adversity you have fought on with immense courage, displaying the highest level of dedication, loyalty and professionalism as you have gone about bringing stability and security to this troubled region.

You are all heroes and I salute you all for a job very well done.

You are an immense credit to your regiments, the brigade and to this country and you have proved once again that the British Army is the best in the world.

Although we are all here to celebrate your return the price has been extremely high. And I join you in mourning those 64 soldiers who are not here and who made the ultimate sacrifice during these past months.

My heartfelt thoughts and prayers go out to their families as they continue to come to terms with their agonising loss.

This national event, the biggest of its kind ever to be staged, is to commemorate the service and sacrifices of 11 Light Brigade."

She also spoke of the devastating number of casualties suffered in the brigade, several of whom were present in wheelchairs, and praised the extraordinary care they have received at Selly Oak Hospital and Headley Grange.

Among those the Duchess met, during a private reception, were the families of two soldiers who had died. She presented the families with the Elizabeth Cross which is given to the bereaved.

Royal Welcome Home in Winchester for 650 Troops of 11 Light Brigade

650 soldiers of 11 Light Brigade accompanied by three bands marched through the City of Winchester in a homecoming parade and were addressed by Her Royal Highness the Duchess of Cornwall on 23 June. In glorious sunshine, an estimated crowd of 10,000 turned out to greet the troops who were representatives of the 5,100 men and women who made up 11 Light Brigade which served in Helmand province of Afghanistan from October 2009 to April 2010. This was the largest homecoming parade to date marking a national celebration for the return of the Brigade that was formed specifically for a six-month operational deployment to Afghanistan known as Operation Herrick 11. Each of the 12 regiments that formed the brigade were represented at the parade.

Following the parade the Duchess of Cornwall, the troops and accompanying guests attended a service, held in Winchester Cathedral, of thanksgiving and remembrance for the 64 soldiers killed in action.

Hampshire was home to 11 Light Brigade’s Headquarters in Aldershot. The brigade was made up of many different regiments and was unique in that it came into existence specifically for a tour of duty in Afghanistan to reduce pressure on other regiments that were being sent out increasingly frequently. Some of the units making up the Brigade were based in Hampshire but other regiments were based in Edinburgh, Chester, London and Germany. This was the final act of 11 Light Brigade before disbanding.

The parade was accompanied by the Bands of the Grenadier Guards, the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers and 3 Rifles.

The 12 regiments taking part in the parade were:

11 Light Brigade Headquarters Staff & 261 Signals Squadron
The Household Cavalry Regiment
1 Royal Horse Artillery
28 Engineer Regiment, The Royal Engineers
1st Battalion Grenadier Guards
1st Battalion Coldstream Guards
1st Battalion Royal Anglian Regiment
2nd Battalion The Yorkshire Regiment (Green Howards)
1st Battalion The Royal Welsh (The Royal Welsh Fusiliers)
3rd Battalion The Rifles
11 Explosive Ordnance Disposal Regiment, Royal Logistic Corps
10 Queen's Own Gurkha Logistic Regiment.

The timetable was as follows:

Midday

650 troops from 11 Light Brigade, accompanied by three bands marched from St Cross Cricket Ground along Southgate Street into Winchester. The troops formed up in the Broadway outside the Guildhall where wounded personnel, family representatives of some of the 64 soldiers killed in action and relations of the seriously injured were waiting.

1.15 pm
The Duchess of Cornwall addressed the troops from a dais before carrying out an inspection.

1.40 pm
There was a fly past of two Tornado jets before the Parade turned left and marched around King Alfred’s statue back up the High Street to Winchester Cathedral.

3.00pm
There was a private Service of Thanksgiving and Remembrance in Winchester Cathedral in recognition of the contribution and sacrifice of service personnel and their families on return from the conflict in Afghanistan. The cathedral service was for invited guests, all ranks, wounded personnel, family representatives of those killed in action and relations of the seriously injured who are unable to attend. Some 1,400 people attended the cathedral service and there was a private reception afterwards.

The brigade saw heavy fighting and took part in Operation Moshtarak, a major offensive against the Taliban.

Brigade Commander, Brigadier James Cowan, explained:

“Helmand is the most violent part of Afghanistan. Three of the four most violent districts in all of Afghanistan are in British Helmand. So it is a challenging area but one that I think we brought a measure of peace to.

During their tour 11 Light Brigade took part in Operation MOSHTARAK, the large multinational offensive to drive insurgents out of the Nad ‘Ali and Marjah areas of southern Helmand.

Brigadier Cowan said:

“The operation is widely viewed as a success, with ISAF forces now exerting greater influence in the region, denying the insurgents freedom of action and offering the local population the opportunity to build up civil institutions.”

The parade came the day after the news of the death of the 300th British soldier in Afghanistan since military operations began there.

The Duchess of Cornwall addressed the parade and said she was humbled and proud to be standing in front of them all. She said:

“Through all the adversity you have fought on with immense courage, displaying the highest level of dedication, loyalty and professionalism as you have gone about bringing stability and security to this troubled region.

You are all heroes and I salute you all for a job very well done.

You are an immense credit to your regiments, the brigade and to this country and you have proved once again that the British Army is the best in the world.

Although we are all here to celebrate your return the price has been extremely high. And I join you in mourning those 64 soldiers who are not here and who made the ultimate sacrifice during these past months.

My heartfelt thoughts and prayers go out to their families as they continue to come to terms with their agonising loss.

This national event, the biggest of its kind ever to be staged, is to commemorate the service and sacrifices of 11 Light Brigade."

She also spoke of the devastating number of casualties suffered in the brigade, several of whom were present in wheelchairs, and praised the extraordinary care they have received at Selly Oak Hospital and Headley Grange.

Among those the Duchess met, during a private reception, were the families of two soldiers who had died. She presented the families with the Elizabeth Cross which is given to the bereaved.

Royal Welcome Home in Winchester for 650 Troops of 11 Light Brigade

650 soldiers of 11 Light Brigade accompanied by three bands marched through the City of Winchester in a homecoming parade and were addressed by Her Royal Highness the Duchess of Cornwall on 23 June. In glorious sunshine, an estimated crowd of 10,000 turned out to greet the troops who were representatives of the 5,100 men and women who made up 11 Light Brigade which served in Helmand province of Afghanistan from October 2009 to April 2010. This was the largest homecoming parade to date marking a national celebration for the return of the Brigade that was formed specifically for a six-month operational deployment to Afghanistan known as Operation Herrick 11. Each of the 12 regiments that formed the brigade were represented at the parade.

Following the parade the Duchess of Cornwall, the troops and accompanying guests attended a service, held in Winchester Cathedral, of thanksgiving and remembrance for the 64 soldiers killed in action.

Hampshire was home to 11 Light Brigade’s Headquarters in Aldershot. The brigade was made up of many different regiments and was unique in that it came into existence specifically for a tour of duty in Afghanistan to reduce pressure on other regiments that were being sent out increasingly frequently. Some of the units making up the Brigade were based in Hampshire but other regiments were based in Edinburgh, Chester, London and Germany. This was the final act of 11 Light Brigade before disbanding.

The parade was accompanied by the Bands of the Grenadier Guards, the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers and 3 Rifles.

The 12 regiments taking part in the parade were:

11 Light Brigade Headquarters Staff & 261 Signals Squadron
The Household Cavalry Regiment
1 Royal Horse Artillery
28 Engineer Regiment, The Royal Engineers
1st Battalion Grenadier Guards
1st Battalion Coldstream Guards
1st Battalion Royal Anglian Regiment
2nd Battalion The Yorkshire Regiment (Green Howards)
1st Battalion The Royal Welsh (The Royal Welsh Fusiliers)
3rd Battalion The Rifles
11 Explosive Ordnance Disposal Regiment, Royal Logistic Corps
10 Queen's Own Gurkha Logistic Regiment.

The timetable was as follows:

Midday

650 troops from 11 Light Brigade, accompanied by three bands marched from St Cross Cricket Ground along Southgate Street into Winchester. The troops formed up in the Broadway outside the Guildhall where wounded personnel, family representatives of some of the 64 soldiers killed in action and relations of the seriously injured were waiting.

1.15 pm
The Duchess of Cornwall addressed the troops from a dais before carrying out an inspection.

1.40 pm
There was a fly past of two Tornado jets before the Parade turned left and marched around King Alfred’s statue back up the High Street to Winchester Cathedral.

3.00pm
There was a private Service of Thanksgiving and Remembrance in Winchester Cathedral in recognition of the contribution and sacrifice of service personnel and their families on return from the conflict in Afghanistan. The cathedral service was for invited guests, all ranks, wounded personnel, family representatives of those killed in action and relations of the seriously injured who are unable to attend. Some 1,400 people attended the cathedral service and there was a private reception afterwards.

The brigade saw heavy fighting and took part in Operation Moshtarak, a major offensive against the Taliban.

Brigade Commander, Brigadier James Cowan, explained:

“Helmand is the most violent part of Afghanistan. Three of the four most violent districts in all of Afghanistan are in British Helmand. So it is a challenging area but one that I think we brought a measure of peace to.

During their tour 11 Light Brigade took part in Operation MOSHTARAK, the large multinational offensive to drive insurgents out of the Nad ‘Ali and Marjah areas of southern Helmand.

Brigadier Cowan said:

“The operation is widely viewed as a success, with ISAF forces now exerting greater influence in the region, denying the insurgents freedom of action and offering the local population the opportunity to build up civil institutions.”

The parade came the day after the news of the death of the 300th British soldier in Afghanistan since military operations began there.

The Duchess of Cornwall addressed the parade and said she was humbled and proud to be standing in front of them all. She said:

“Through all the adversity you have fought on with immense courage, displaying the highest level of dedication, loyalty and professionalism as you have gone about bringing stability and security to this troubled region.

You are all heroes and I salute you all for a job very well done.

You are an immense credit to your regiments, the brigade and to this country and you have proved once again that the British Army is the best in the world.

Although we are all here to celebrate your return the price has been extremely high. And I join you in mourning those 64 soldiers who are not here and who made the ultimate sacrifice during these past months.

My heartfelt thoughts and prayers go out to their families as they continue to come to terms with their agonising loss.

This national event, the biggest of its kind ever to be staged, is to commemorate the service and sacrifices of 11 Light Brigade."

She also spoke of the devastating number of casualties suffered in the brigade, several of whom were present in wheelchairs, and praised the extraordinary care they have received at Selly Oak Hospital and Headley Grange.

Among those the Duchess met, during a private reception, were the families of two soldiers who had died. She presented the families with the Elizabeth Cross which is given to the bereaved.

Royal Welcome Home in Winchester for 650 Troops of 11 Light Brigade

650 soldiers of 11 Light Brigade accompanied by three bands marched through the City of Winchester in a homecoming parade and were addressed by Her Royal Highness the Duchess of Cornwall on 23 June. In glorious sunshine, an estimated crowd of 10,000 turned out to greet the troops who were representatives of the 5,100 men and women who made up 11 Light Brigade which served in Helmand province of Afghanistan from October 2009 to April 2010. This was the largest homecoming parade to date marking a national celebration for the return of the Brigade that was formed specifically for a six-month operational deployment to Afghanistan known as Operation Herrick 11. Each of the 12 regiments that formed the brigade were represented at the parade.

Following the parade the Duchess of Cornwall, the troops and accompanying guests attended a service, held in Winchester Cathedral, of thanksgiving and remembrance for the 64 soldiers killed in action.

Hampshire was home to 11 Light Brigade’s Headquarters in Aldershot. The brigade was made up of many different regiments and was unique in that it came into existence specifically for a tour of duty in Afghanistan to reduce pressure on other regiments that were being sent out increasingly frequently. Some of the units making up the Brigade were based in Hampshire but other regiments were based in Edinburgh, Chester, London and Germany. This was the final act of 11 Light Brigade before disbanding.

The parade was accompanied by the Bands of the Grenadier Guards, the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers and 3 Rifles.

The 12 regiments taking part in the parade were:

11 Light Brigade Headquarters Staff & 261 Signals Squadron
The Household Cavalry Regiment
1 Royal Horse Artillery
28 Engineer Regiment, The Royal Engineers
1st Battalion Grenadier Guards
1st Battalion Coldstream Guards
1st Battalion Royal Anglian Regiment
2nd Battalion The Yorkshire Regiment (Green Howards)
1st Battalion The Royal Welsh (The Royal Welsh Fusiliers)
3rd Battalion The Rifles
11 Explosive Ordnance Disposal Regiment, Royal Logistic Corps
10 Queen's Own Gurkha Logistic Regiment.

The timetable was as follows:

Midday

650 troops from 11 Light Brigade, accompanied by three bands marched from St Cross Cricket Ground along Southgate Street into Winchester. The troops formed up in the Broadway outside the Guildhall where wounded personnel, family representatives of some of the 64 soldiers killed in action and relations of the seriously injured were waiting.

1.15 pm
The Duchess of Cornwall addressed the troops from a dais before carrying out an inspection.

1.40 pm
There was a fly past of two Tornado jets before the Parade turned left and marched around King Alfred’s statue back up the High Street to Winchester Cathedral.

3.00pm
There was a private Service of Thanksgiving and Remembrance in Winchester Cathedral in recognition of the contribution and sacrifice of service personnel and their families on return from the conflict in Afghanistan. The cathedral service was for invited guests, all ranks, wounded personnel, family representatives of those killed in action and relations of the seriously injured who are unable to attend. Some 1,400 people attended the cathedral service and there was a private reception afterwards.

The brigade saw heavy fighting and took part in Operation Moshtarak, a major offensive against the Taliban.

Brigade Commander, Brigadier James Cowan, explained:

“Helmand is the most violent part of Afghanistan. Three of the four most violent districts in all of Afghanistan are in British Helmand. So it is a challenging area but one that I think we brought a measure of peace to.

During their tour 11 Light Brigade took part in Operation MOSHTARAK, the large multinational offensive to drive insurgents out of the Nad ‘Ali and Marjah areas of southern Helmand.

Brigadier Cowan said:

“The operation is widely viewed as a success, with ISAF forces now exerting greater influence in the region, denying the insurgents freedom of action and offering the local population the opportunity to build up civil institutions.”

The parade came the day after the news of the death of the 300th British soldier in Afghanistan since military operations began there.

The Duchess of Cornwall addressed the parade and said she was humbled and proud to be standing in front of them all. She said:

“Through all the adversity you have fought on with immense courage, displaying the highest level of dedication, loyalty and professionalism as you have gone about bringing stability and security to this troubled region.

You are all heroes and I salute you all for a job very well done.

You are an immense credit to your regiments, the brigade and to this country and you have proved once again that the British Army is the best in the world.

Although we are all here to celebrate your return the price has been extremely high. And I join you in mourning those 64 soldiers who are not here and who made the ultimate sacrifice during these past months.

My heartfelt thoughts and prayers go out to their families as they continue to come to terms with their agonising loss.

This national event, the biggest of its kind ever to be staged, is to commemorate the service and sacrifices of 11 Light Brigade."

She also spoke of the devastating number of casualties suffered in the brigade, several of whom were present in wheelchairs, and praised the extraordinary care they have received at Selly Oak Hospital and Headley Grange.

Among those the Duchess met, during a private reception, were the families of two soldiers who had died. She presented the families with the Elizabeth Cross which is given to the bereaved.

Royal Welcome Home in Winchester for 650 Troops of 11 Light Brigade

650 soldiers of 11 Light Brigade accompanied by three bands marched through the City of Winchester in a homecoming parade and were addressed by Her Royal Highness the Duchess of Cornwall on 23 June. In glorious sunshine, an estimated crowd of 10,000 turned out to greet the troops who were representatives of the 5,100 men and women who made up 11 Light Brigade which served in Helmand province of Afghanistan from October 2009 to April 2010. This was the largest homecoming parade to date marking a national celebration for the return of the Brigade that was formed specifically for a six-month operational deployment to Afghanistan known as Operation Herrick 11. Each of the 12 regiments that formed the brigade were represented at the parade.

Following the parade the Duchess of Cornwall, the troops and accompanying guests attended a service, held in Winchester Cathedral, of thanksgiving and remembrance for the 64 soldiers killed in action.

Hampshire was home to 11 Light Brigade’s Headquarters in Aldershot. The brigade was made up of many different regiments and was unique in that it came into existence specifically for a tour of duty in Afghanistan to reduce pressure on other regiments that were being sent out increasingly frequently. Some of the units making up the Brigade were based in Hampshire but other regiments were based in Edinburgh, Chester, London and Germany. This was the final act of 11 Light Brigade before disbanding.

The parade was accompanied by the Bands of the Grenadier Guards, the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers and 3 Rifles.

The 12 regiments taking part in the parade were:

11 Light Brigade Headquarters Staff & 261 Signals Squadron
The Household Cavalry Regiment
1 Royal Horse Artillery
28 Engineer Regiment, The Royal Engineers
1st Battalion Grenadier Guards
1st Battalion Coldstream Guards
1st Battalion Royal Anglian Regiment
2nd Battalion The Yorkshire Regiment (Green Howards)
1st Battalion The Royal Welsh (The Royal Welsh Fusiliers)
3rd Battalion The Rifles
11 Explosive Ordnance Disposal Regiment, Royal Logistic Corps
10 Queen's Own Gurkha Logistic Regiment.

The timetable was as follows:

Midday

650 troops from 11 Light Brigade, accompanied by three bands marched from St Cross Cricket Ground along Southgate Street into Winchester. The troops formed up in the Broadway outside the Guildhall where wounded personnel, family representatives of some of the 64 soldiers killed in action and relations of the seriously injured were waiting.

1.15 pm
The Duchess of Cornwall addressed the troops from a dais before carrying out an inspection.

1.40 pm
There was a fly past of two Tornado jets before the Parade turned left and marched around King Alfred’s statue back up the High Street to Winchester Cathedral.

3.00pm
There was a private Service of Thanksgiving and Remembrance in Winchester Cathedral in recognition of the contribution and sacrifice of service personnel and their families on return from the conflict in Afghanistan. The cathedral service was for invited guests, all ranks, wounded personnel, family representatives of those killed in action and relations of the seriously injured who are unable to attend. Some 1,400 people attended the cathedral service and there was a private reception afterwards.

The brigade saw heavy fighting and took part in Operation Moshtarak, a major offensive against the Taliban.

Brigade Commander, Brigadier James Cowan, explained:

“Helmand is the most violent part of Afghanistan. Three of the four most violent districts in all of Afghanistan are in British Helmand. So it is a challenging area but one that I think we brought a measure of peace to.

During their tour 11 Light Brigade took part in Operation MOSHTARAK, the large multinational offensive to drive insurgents out of the Nad ‘Ali and Marjah areas of southern Helmand.

Brigadier Cowan said:

“The operation is widely viewed as a success, with ISAF forces now exerting greater influence in the region, denying the insurgents freedom of action and offering the local population the opportunity to build up civil institutions.”

The parade came the day after the news of the death of the 300th British soldier in Afghanistan since military operations began there.

The Duchess of Cornwall addressed the parade and said she was humbled and proud to be standing in front of them all. She said:

“Through all the adversity you have fought on with immense courage, displaying the highest level of dedication, loyalty and professionalism as you have gone about bringing stability and security to this troubled region.

You are all heroes and I salute you all for a job very well done.

You are an immense credit to your regiments, the brigade and to this country and you have proved once again that the British Army is the best in the world.

Although we are all here to celebrate your return the price has been extremely high. And I join you in mourning those 64 soldiers who are not here and who made the ultimate sacrifice during these past months.

My heartfelt thoughts and prayers go out to their families as they continue to come to terms with their agonising loss.

This national event, the biggest of its kind ever to be staged, is to commemorate the service and sacrifices of 11 Light Brigade."

She also spoke of the devastating number of casualties suffered in the brigade, several of whom were present in wheelchairs, and praised the extraordinary care they have received at Selly Oak Hospital and Headley Grange.

Among those the Duchess met, during a private reception, were the families of two soldiers who had died. She presented the families with the Elizabeth Cross which is given to the bereaved.

Royal Welcome Home in Winchester for 650 Troops of 11 Light Brigade

650 soldiers of 11 Light Brigade accompanied by three bands marched through the City of Winchester in a homecoming parade and were addressed by Her Royal Highness the Duchess of Cornwall on 23 June. In glorious sunshine, an estimated crowd of 10,000 turned out to greet the troops who were representatives of the 5,100 men and women who made up 11 Light Brigade which served in Helmand province of Afghanistan from October 2009 to April 2010. This was the largest homecoming parade to date marking a national celebration for the return of the Brigade that was formed specifically for a six-month operational deployment to Afghanistan known as Operation Herrick 11. Each of the 12 regiments that formed the brigade were represented at the parade.

Following the parade the Duchess of Cornwall, the troops and accompanying guests attended a service, held in Winchester Cathedral, of thanksgiving and remembrance for the 64 soldiers killed in action.

Hampshire was home to 11 Light Brigade’s Headquarters in Aldershot. The brigade was made up of many different regiments and was unique in that it came into existence specifically for a tour of duty in Afghanistan to reduce pressure on other regiments that were being sent out increasingly frequently. Some of the units making up the Brigade were based in Hampshire but other regiments were based in Edinburgh, Chester, London and Germany. This was the final act of 11 Light Brigade before disbanding.

The parade was accompanied by the Bands of the Grenadier Guards, the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers and 3 Rifles.

The 12 regiments taking part in the parade were:

11 Light Brigade Headquarters Staff & 261 Signals Squadron
The Household Cavalry Regiment
1 Royal Horse Artillery
28 Engineer Regiment, The Royal Engineers
1st Battalion Grenadier Guards
1st Battalion Coldstream Guards
1st Battalion Royal Anglian Regiment
2nd Battalion The Yorkshire Regiment (Green Howards)
1st Battalion The Royal Welsh (The Royal Welsh Fusiliers)
3rd Battalion The Rifles
11 Explosive Ordnance Disposal Regiment, Royal Logistic Corps
10 Queen's Own Gurkha Logistic Regiment.

The timetable was as follows:

Midday

650 troops from 11 Light Brigade, accompanied by three bands marched from St Cross Cricket Ground along Southgate Street into Winchester. The troops formed up in the Broadway outside the Guildhall where wounded personnel, family representatives of some of the 64 soldiers killed in action and relations of the seriously injured were waiting.

1.15 pm
The Duchess of Cornwall addressed the troops from a dais before carrying out an inspection.

1.40 pm
There was a fly past of two Tornado jets before the Parade turned left and marched around King Alfred’s statue back up the High Street to Winchester Cathedral.

3.00pm
There was a private Service of Thanksgiving and Remembrance in Winchester Cathedral in recognition of the contribution and sacrifice of service personnel and their families on return from the conflict in Afghanistan. The cathedral service was for invited guests, all ranks, wounded personnel, family representatives of those killed in action and relations of the seriously injured who are unable to attend. Some 1,400 people attended the cathedral service and there was a private reception afterwards.

The brigade saw heavy fighting and took part in Operation Moshtarak, a major offensive against the Taliban.

Brigade Commander, Brigadier James Cowan, explained:

“Helmand is the most violent part of Afghanistan. Three of the four most violent districts in all of Afghanistan are in British Helmand. So it is a challenging area but one that I think we brought a measure of peace to.

During their tour 11 Light Brigade took part in Operation MOSHTARAK, the large multinational offensive to drive insurgents out of the Nad ‘Ali and Marjah areas of southern Helmand.

Brigadier Cowan said:

“The operation is widely viewed as a success, with ISAF forces now exerting greater influence in the region, denying the insurgents freedom of action and offering the local population the opportunity to build up civil institutions.”

The parade came the day after the news of the death of the 300th British soldier in Afghanistan since military operations began there.

The Duchess of Cornwall addressed the parade and said she was humbled and proud to be standing in front of them all. She said:

“Through all the adversity you have fought on with immense courage, displaying the highest level of dedication, loyalty and professionalism as you have gone about bringing stability and security to this troubled region.

You are all heroes and I salute you all for a job very well done.

You are an immense credit to your regiments, the brigade and to this country and you have proved once again that the British Army is the best in the world.

Although we are all here to celebrate your return the price has been extremely high. And I join you in mourning those 64 soldiers who are not here and who made the ultimate sacrifice during these past months.

My heartfelt thoughts and prayers go out to their families as they continue to come to terms with their agonising loss.

This national event, the biggest of its kind ever to be staged, is to commemorate the service and sacrifices of 11 Light Brigade."

She also spoke of the devastating number of casualties suffered in the brigade, several of whom were present in wheelchairs, and praised the extraordinary care they have received at Selly Oak Hospital and Headley Grange.

Among those the Duchess met, during a private reception, were the families of two soldiers who had died. She presented the families with the Elizabeth Cross which is given to the bereaved.

Royal Welcome Home in Winchester for 650 Troops of 11 Light Brigade

650 soldiers of 11 Light Brigade accompanied by three bands marched through the City of Winchester in a homecoming parade and were addressed by Her Royal Highness the Duchess of Cornwall on 23 June. In glorious sunshine, an estimated crowd of 10,000 turned out to greet the troops who were representatives of the 5,100 men and women who made up 11 Light Brigade which served in Helmand province of Afghanistan from October 2009 to April 2010. This was the largest homecoming parade to date marking a national celebration for the return of the Brigade that was formed specifically for a six-month operational deployment to Afghanistan known as Operation Herrick 11. Each of the 12 regiments that formed the brigade were represented at the parade.

Following the parade the Duchess of Cornwall, the troops and accompanying guests attended a service, held in Winchester Cathedral, of thanksgiving and remembrance for the 64 soldiers killed in action.

Hampshire was home to 11 Light Brigade’s Headquarters in Aldershot. The brigade was made up of many different regiments and was unique in that it came into existence specifically for a tour of duty in Afghanistan to reduce pressure on other regiments that were being sent out increasingly frequently. Some of the units making up the Brigade were based in Hampshire but other regiments were based in Edinburgh, Chester, London and Germany. This was the final act of 11 Light Brigade before disbanding.

The parade was accompanied by the Bands of the Grenadier Guards, the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers and 3 Rifles.

The 12 regiments taking part in the parade were:

11 Light Brigade Headquarters Staff & 261 Signals Squadron
The Household Cavalry Regiment
1 Royal Horse Artillery
28 Engineer Regiment, The Royal Engineers
1st Battalion Grenadier Guards
1st Battalion Coldstream Guards
1st Battalion Royal Anglian Regiment
2nd Battalion The Yorkshire Regiment (Green Howards)
1st Battalion The Royal Welsh (The Royal Welsh Fusiliers)
3rd Battalion The Rifles
11 Explosive Ordnance Disposal Regiment, Royal Logistic Corps
10 Queen's Own Gurkha Logistic Regiment.

The timetable was as follows:

Midday

650 troops from 11 Light Brigade, accompanied by three bands marched from St Cross Cricket Ground along Southgate Street into Winchester. The troops formed up in the Broadway outside the Guildhall where wounded personnel, family representatives of some of the 64 soldiers killed in action and relations of the seriously injured were waiting.

1.15 pm
The Duchess of Cornwall addressed the troops from a dais before carrying out an inspection.

1.40 pm
There was a fly past of two Tornado jets before the Parade turned left and marched around King Alfred’s statue back up the High Street to Winchester Cathedral.

3.00pm
There was a private Service of Thanksgiving and Remembrance in Winchester Cathedral in recognition of the contribution and sacrifice of service personnel and their families on return from the conflict in Afghanistan. The cathedral service was for invited guests, all ranks, wounded personnel, family representatives of those killed in action and relations of the seriously injured who are unable to attend. Some 1,400 people attended the cathedral service and there was a private reception afterwards.

The brigade saw heavy fighting and took part in Operation Moshtarak, a major offensive against the Taliban.

Brigade Commander, Brigadier James Cowan, explained:

“Helmand is the most violent part of Afghanistan. Three of the four most violent districts in all of Afghanistan are in British Helmand. So it is a challenging area but one that I think we brought a measure of peace to.

During their tour 11 Light Brigade took part in Operation MOSHTARAK, the large multinational offensive to drive insurgents out of the Nad ‘Ali and Marjah areas of southern Helmand.

Brigadier Cowan said:

“The operation is widely viewed as a success, with ISAF forces now exerting greater influence in the region, denying the insurgents freedom of action and offering the local population the opportunity to build up civil institutions.”

The parade came the day after the news of the death of the 300th British soldier in Afghanistan since military operations began there.

The Duchess of Cornwall addressed the parade and said she was humbled and proud to be standing in front of them all. She said:

“Through all the adversity you have fought on with immense courage, displaying the highest level of dedication, loyalty and professionalism as you have gone about bringing stability and security to this troubled region.

You are all heroes and I salute you all for a job very well done.

You are an immense credit to your regiments, the brigade and to this country and you have proved once again that the British Army is the best in the world.

Although we are all here to celebrate your return the price has been extremely high. And I join you in mourning those 64 soldiers who are not here and who made the ultimate sacrifice during these past months.

My heartfelt thoughts and prayers go out to their families as they continue to come to terms with their agonising loss.

This national event, the biggest of its kind ever to be staged, is to commemorate the service and sacrifices of 11 Light Brigade."

She also spoke of the devastating number of casualties suffered in the brigade, several of whom were present in wheelchairs, and praised the extraordinary care they have received at Selly Oak Hospital and Headley Grange.

Among those the Duchess met, during a private reception, were the families of two soldiers who had died. She presented the families with the Elizabeth Cross which is given to the bereaved.

Royal Welcome Home in Winchester for 650 Troops of 11 Light Brigade

650 soldiers of 11 Light Brigade accompanied by three bands marched through the City of Winchester in a homecoming parade and were addressed by Her Royal Highness the Duchess of Cornwall on 23 June. In glorious sunshine, an estimated crowd of 10,000 turned out to greet the troops who were representatives of the 5,100 men and women who made up 11 Light Brigade which served in Helmand province of Afghanistan from October 2009 to April 2010. This was the largest homecoming parade to date marking a national celebration for the return of the Brigade that was formed specifically for a six-month operational deployment to Afghanistan known as Operation Herrick 11. Each of the 12 regiments that formed the brigade were represented at the parade.

Following the parade the Duchess of Cornwall, the troops and accompanying guests attended a service, held in Winchester Cathedral, of thanksgiving and remembrance for the 64 soldiers killed in action.

Hampshire was home to 11 Light Brigade’s Headquarters in Aldershot. The brigade was made up of many different regiments and was unique in that it came into existence specifically for a tour of duty in Afghanistan to reduce pressure on other regiments that were being sent out increasingly frequently. Some of the units making up the Brigade were based in Hampshire but other regiments were based in Edinburgh, Chester, London and Germany. This was the final act of 11 Light Brigade before disbanding.

The parade was accompanied by the Bands of the Grenadier Guards, the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers and 3 Rifles.

The 12 regiments taking part in the parade were:

11 Light Brigade Headquarters Staff & 261 Signals Squadron
The Household Cavalry Regiment
1 Royal Horse Artillery
28 Engineer Regiment, The Royal Engineers
1st Battalion Grenadier Guards
1st Battalion Coldstream Guards
1st Battalion Royal Anglian Regiment
2nd Battalion The Yorkshire Regiment (Green Howards)
1st Battalion The Royal Welsh (The Royal Welsh Fusiliers)
3rd Battalion The Rifles
11 Explosive Ordnance Disposal Regiment, Royal Logistic Corps
10 Queen's Own Gurkha Logistic Regiment.

The timetable was as follows:

Midday

650 troops from 11 Light Brigade, accompanied by three bands marched from St Cross Cricket Ground along Southgate Street into Winchester. The troops formed up in the Broadway outside the Guildhall where wounded personnel, family representatives of some of the 64 soldiers killed in action and relations of the seriously injured were waiting.

1.15 pm
The Duchess of Cornwall addressed the troops from a dais before carrying out an inspection.

1.40 pm
There was a fly past of two Tornado jets before the Parade turned left and marched around King Alfred’s statue back up the High Street to Winchester Cathedral.

3.00pm
There was a private Service of Thanksgiving and Remembrance in Winchester Cathedral in recognition of the contribution and sacrifice of service personnel and their families on return from the conflict in Afghanistan. The cathedral service was for invited guests, all ranks, wounded personnel, family representatives of those killed in action and relations of the seriously injured who are unable to attend. Some 1,400 people attended the cathedral service and there was a private reception afterwards.

The brigade saw heavy fighting and took part in Operation Moshtarak, a major offensive against the Taliban.

Brigade Commander, Brigadier James Cowan, explained:

“Helmand is the most violent part of Afghanistan. Three of the four most violent districts in all of Afghanistan are in British Helmand. So it is a challenging area but one that I think we brought a measure of peace to.

During their tour 11 Light Brigade took part in Operation MOSHTARAK, the large multinational offensive to drive insurgents out of the Nad ‘Ali and Marjah areas of southern Helmand.

Brigadier Cowan said:

“The operation is widely viewed as a success, with ISAF forces now exerting greater influence in the region, denying the insurgents freedom of action and offering the local population the opportunity to build up civil institutions.”

The parade came the day after the news of the death of the 300th British soldier in Afghanistan since military operations began there.

The Duchess of Cornwall addressed the parade and said she was humbled and proud to be standing in front of them all. She said:

“Through all the adversity you have fought on with immense courage, displaying the highest level of dedication, loyalty and professionalism as you have gone about bringing stability and security to this troubled region.

You are all heroes and I salute you all for a job very well done.

You are an immense credit to your regiments, the brigade and to this country and you have proved once again that the British Army is the best in the world.

Although we are all here to celebrate your return the price has been extremely high. And I join you in mourning those 64 soldiers who are not here and who made the ultimate sacrifice during these past months.

My heartfelt thoughts and prayers go out to their families as they continue to come to terms with their agonising loss.

This national event, the biggest of its kind ever to be staged, is to commemorate the service and sacrifices of 11 Light Brigade."

She also spoke of the devastating number of casualties suffered in the brigade, several of whom were present in wheelchairs, and praised the extraordinary care they have received at Selly Oak Hospital and Headley Grange.

Among those the Duchess met, during a private reception, were the families of two soldiers who had died. She presented the families with the Elizabeth Cross which is given to the bereaved.

Royal Welcome Home in Winchester for 650 Troops of 11 Light Brigade

650 soldiers of 11 Light Brigade accompanied by three bands marched through the City of Winchester in a homecoming parade and were addressed by Her Royal Highness the Duchess of Cornwall on 23 June. In glorious sunshine, an estimated crowd of 10,000 turned out to greet the troops who were representatives of the 5,100 men and women who made up 11 Light Brigade which served in Helmand province of Afghanistan from October 2009 to April 2010. This was the largest homecoming parade to date marking a national celebration for the return of the Brigade that was formed specifically for a six-month operational deployment to Afghanistan known as Operation Herrick 11. Each of the 12 regiments that formed the brigade were represented at the parade.

Following the parade the Duchess of Cornwall, the troops and accompanying guests attended a service, held in Winchester Cathedral, of thanksgiving and remembrance for the 64 soldiers killed in action.

Hampshire was home to 11 Light Brigade’s Headquarters in Aldershot. The brigade was made up of many different regiments and was unique in that it came into existence specifically for a tour of duty in Afghanistan to reduce pressure on other regiments that were being sent out increasingly frequently. Some of the units making up the Brigade were based in Hampshire but other regiments were based in Edinburgh, Chester, London and Germany. This was the final act of 11 Light Brigade before disbanding.

The parade was accompanied by the Bands of the Grenadier Guards, the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers and 3 Rifles.

The 12 regiments taking part in the parade were:

11 Light Brigade Headquarters Staff & 261 Signals Squadron
The Household Cavalry Regiment
1 Royal Horse Artillery
28 Engineer Regiment, The Royal Engineers
1st Battalion Grenadier Guards
1st Battalion Coldstream Guards
1st Battalion Royal Anglian Regiment
2nd Battalion The Yorkshire Regiment (Green Howards)
1st Battalion The Royal Welsh (The Royal Welsh Fusiliers)
3rd Battalion The Rifles
11 Explosive Ordnance Disposal Regiment, Royal Logistic Corps
10 Queen's Own Gurkha Logistic Regiment.

The timetable was as follows:

Midday

650 troops from 11 Light Brigade, accompanied by three bands marched from St Cross Cricket Ground along Southgate Street into Winchester. The troops formed up in the Broadway outside the Guildhall where wounded personnel, family representatives of some of the 64 soldiers killed in action and relations of the seriously injured were waiting.

1.15 pm
The Duchess of Cornwall addressed the troops from a dais before carrying out an inspection.

1.40 pm
There was a fly past of two Tornado jets before the Parade turned left and marched around King Alfred’s statue back up the High Street to Winchester Cathedral.

3.00pm
There was a private Service of Thanksgiving and Remembrance in Winchester Cathedral in recognition of the contribution and sacrifice of service personnel and their families on return from the conflict in Afghanistan. The cathedral service was for invited guests, all ranks, wounded personnel, family representatives of those killed in action and relations of the seriously injured who are unable to attend. Some 1,400 people attended the cathedral service and there was a private reception afterwards.

The brigade saw heavy fighting and took part in Operation Moshtarak, a major offensive against the Taliban.

Brigade Commander, Brigadier James Cowan, explained:

“Helmand is the most violent part of Afghanistan. Three of the four most violent districts in all of Afghanistan are in British Helmand. So it is a challenging area but one that I think we brought a measure of peace to.

During their tour 11 Light Brigade took part in Operation MOSHTARAK, the large multinational offensive to drive insurgents out of the Nad ‘Ali and Marjah areas of southern Helmand.

Brigadier Cowan said:

“The operation is widely viewed as a success, with ISAF forces now exerting greater influence in the region, denying the insurgents freedom of action and offering the local population the opportunity to build up civil institutions.”

The parade came the day after the news of the death of the 300th British soldier in Afghanistan since military operations began there.

The Duchess of Cornwall addressed the parade and said she was humbled and proud to be standing in front of them all. She said:

“Through all the adversity you have fought on with immense courage, displaying the highest level of dedication, loyalty and professionalism as you have gone about bringing stability and security to this troubled region.

You are all heroes and I salute you all for a job very well done.

You are an immense credit to your regiments, the brigade and to this country and you have proved once again that the British Army is the best in the world.

Although we are all here to celebrate your return the price has been extremely high. And I join you in mourning those 64 soldiers who are not here and who made the ultimate sacrifice during these past months.

My heartfelt thoughts and prayers go out to their families as they continue to come to terms with their agonising loss.

This national event, the biggest of its kind ever to be staged, is to commemorate the service and sacrifices of 11 Light Brigade."

She also spoke of the devastating number of casualties suffered in the brigade, several of whom were present in wheelchairs, and praised the extraordinary care they have received at Selly Oak Hospital and Headley Grange.

Among those the Duchess met, during a private reception, were the families of two soldiers who had died. She presented the families with the Elizabeth Cross which is given to the bereaved.

Royal Welcome Home in Winchester for 650 Troops of 11 Light Brigade

650 soldiers of 11 Light Brigade accompanied by three bands marched through the City of Winchester in a homecoming parade and were addressed by Her Royal Highness the Duchess of Cornwall on 23 June. In glorious sunshine, an estimated crowd of 10,000 turned out to greet the troops who were representatives of the 5,100 men and women who made up 11 Light Brigade which served in Helmand province of Afghanistan from October 2009 to April 2010. This was the largest homecoming parade to date marking a national celebration for the return of the Brigade that was formed specifically for a six-month operational deployment to Afghanistan known as Operation Herrick 11. Each of the 12 regiments that formed the brigade were represented at the parade.

Following the parade the Duchess of Cornwall, the troops and accompanying guests attended a service, held in Winchester Cathedral, of thanksgiving and remembrance for the 64 soldiers killed in action.

Hampshire was home to 11 Light Brigade’s Headquarters in Aldershot. The brigade was made up of many different regiments and was unique in that it came into existence specifically for a tour of duty in Afghanistan to reduce pressure on other regiments that were being sent out increasingly frequently. Some of the units making up the Brigade were based in Hampshire but other regiments were based in Edinburgh, Chester, London and Germany. This was the final act of 11 Light Brigade before disbanding.

The parade was accompanied by the Bands of the Grenadier Guards, the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers and 3 Rifles.

The 12 regiments taking part in the parade were:

11 Light Brigade Headquarters Staff & 261 Signals Squadron
The Household Cavalry Regiment
1 Royal Horse Artillery
28 Engineer Regiment, The Royal Engineers
1st Battalion Grenadier Guards
1st Battalion Coldstream Guards
1st Battalion Royal Anglian Regiment
2nd Battalion The Yorkshire Regiment (Green Howards)
1st Battalion The Royal Welsh (The Royal Welsh Fusiliers)
3rd Battalion The Rifles
11 Explosive Ordnance Disposal Regiment, Royal Logistic Corps
10 Queen's Own Gurkha Logistic Regiment.

The timetable was as follows:

Midday

650 troops from 11 Light Brigade, accompanied by three bands marched from St Cross Cricket Ground along Southgate Street into Winchester. The troops formed up in the Broadway outside the Guildhall where wounded personnel, family representatives of some of the 64 soldiers killed in action and relations of the seriously injured were waiting.

1.15 pm
The Duchess of Cornwall addressed the troops from a dais before carrying out an inspection.

1.40 pm
There was a fly past of two Tornado jets before the Parade turned left and marched around King Alfred’s statue back up the High Street to Winchester Cathedral.

3.00pm
There was a private Service of Thanksgiving and Remembrance in Winchester Cathedral in recognition of the contribution and sacrifice of service personnel and their families on return from the conflict in Afghanistan. The cathedral service was for invited guests, all ranks, wounded personnel, family representatives of those killed in action and relations of the seriously injured who are unable to attend. Some 1,400 people attended the cathedral service and there was a private reception afterwards.

The brigade saw heavy fighting and took part in Operation Moshtarak, a major offensive against the Taliban.

Brigade Commander, Brigadier James Cowan, explained:

“Helmand is the most violent part of Afghanistan. Three of the four most violent districts in all of Afghanistan are in British Helmand. So it is a challenging area but one that I think we brought a measure of peace to.

During their tour 11 Light Brigade took part in Operation MOSHTARAK, the large multinational offensive to drive insurgents out of the Nad ‘Ali and Marjah areas of southern Helmand.

Brigadier Cowan said:

“The operation is widely viewed as a success, with ISAF forces now exerting greater influence in the region, denying the insurgents freedom of action and offering the local population the opportunity to build up civil institutions.”

The parade came the day after the news of the death of the 300th British soldier in Afghanistan since military operations began there.

The Duchess of Cornwall addressed the parade and said she was humbled and proud to be standing in front of them all. She said:

“Through all the adversity you have fought on with immense courage, displaying the highest level of dedication, loyalty and professionalism as you have gone about bringing stability and security to this troubled region.

You are all heroes and I salute you all for a job very well done.

You are an immense credit to your regiments, the brigade and to this country and you have proved once again that the British Army is the best in the world.

Although we are all here to celebrate your return the price has been extremely high. And I join you in mourning those 64 soldiers who are not here and who made the ultimate sacrifice during these past months.

My heartfelt thoughts and prayers go out to their families as they continue to come to terms with their agonising loss.

This national event, the biggest of its kind ever to be staged, is to commemorate the service and sacrifices of 11 Light Brigade."

She also spoke of the devastating number of casualties suffered in the brigade, several of whom were present in wheelchairs, and praised the extraordinary care they have received at Selly Oak Hospital and Headley Grange.

Among those the Duchess met, during a private reception, were the families of two soldiers who had died. She presented the families with the Elizabeth Cross which is given to the bereaved.

Royal Welcome Home in Winchester for 650 Troops of 11 Light Brigade

650 soldiers of 11 Light Brigade accompanied by three bands marched through the City of Winchester in a homecoming parade and were addressed by Her Royal Highness the Duchess of Cornwall on 23 June. In glorious sunshine, an estimated crowd of 10,000 turned out to greet the troops who were representatives of the 5,100 men and women who made up 11 Light Brigade which served in Helmand province of Afghanistan from October 2009 to April 2010. This was the largest homecoming parade to date marking a national celebration for the return of the Brigade that was formed specifically for a six-month operational deployment to Afghanistan known as Operation Herrick 11. Each of the 12 regiments that formed the brigade were represented at the parade.

Following the parade the Duchess of Cornwall, the troops and accompanying guests attended a service, held in Winchester Cathedral, of thanksgiving and remembrance for the 64 soldiers killed in action.

Hampshire was home to 11 Light Brigade’s Headquarters in Aldershot. The brigade was made up of many different regiments and was unique in that it came into existence specifically for a tour of duty in Afghanistan to reduce pressure on other regiments that were being sent out increasingly frequently. Some of the units making up the Brigade were based in Hampshire but other regiments were based in Edinburgh, Chester, London and Germany. This was the final act of 11 Light Brigade before disbanding.

The parade was accompanied by the Bands of the Grenadier Guards, the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers and 3 Rifles.

The 12 regiments taking part in the parade were:

11 Light Brigade Headquarters Staff & 261 Signals Squadron
The Household Cavalry Regiment
1 Royal Horse Artillery
28 Engineer Regiment, The Royal Engineers
1st Battalion Grenadier Guards
1st Battalion Coldstream Guards
1st Battalion Royal Anglian Regiment
2nd Battalion The Yorkshire Regiment (Green Howards)
1st Battalion The Royal Welsh (The Royal Welsh Fusiliers)
3rd Battalion The Rifles
11 Explosive Ordnance Disposal Regiment, Royal Logistic Corps
10 Queen's Own Gurkha Logistic Regiment.

The timetable was as follows:

Midday

650 troops from 11 Light Brigade, accompanied by three bands marched from St Cross Cricket Ground along Southgate Street into Winchester. The troops formed up in the Broadway outside the Guildhall where wounded personnel, family representatives of some of the 64 soldiers killed in action and relations of the seriously injured were waiting.

1.15 pm
The Duchess of Cornwall addressed the troops from a dais before carrying out an inspection.

1.40 pm
There was a fly past of two Tornado jets before the Parade turned left and marched around King Alfred’s statue back up the High Street to Winchester Cathedral.

3.00pm
There was a private Service of Thanksgiving and Remembrance in Winchester Cathedral in recognition of the contribution and sacrifice of service personnel and their families on return from the conflict in Afghanistan. The cathedral service was for invited guests, all ranks, wounded personnel, family representatives of those killed in action and relations of the seriously injured who are unable to attend. Some 1,400 people attended the cathedral service and there was a private reception afterwards.

The brigade saw heavy fighting and took part in Operation Moshtarak, a major offensive against the Taliban.

Brigade Commander, Brigadier James Cowan, explained:

“Helmand is the most violent part of Afghanistan. Three of the four most violent districts in all of Afghanistan are in British Helmand. So it is a challenging area but one that I think we brought a measure of peace to.

During their tour 11 Light Brigade took part in Operation MOSHTARAK, the large multinational offensive to drive insurgents out of the Nad ‘Ali and Marjah areas of southern Helmand.

Brigadier Cowan said:

“The operation is widely viewed as a success, with ISAF forces now exerting greater influence in the region, denying the insurgents freedom of action and offering the local population the opportunity to build up civil institutions.”

The parade came the day after the news of the death of the 300th British soldier in Afghanistan since military operations began there.

The Duchess of Cornwall addressed the parade and said she was humbled and proud to be standing in front of them all. She said:

“Through all the adversity you have fought on with immense courage, displaying the highest level of dedication, loyalty and professionalism as you have gone about bringing stability and security to this troubled region.

You are all heroes and I salute you all for a job very well done.

You are an immense credit to your regiments, the brigade and to this country and you have proved once again that the British Army is the best in the world.

Although we are all here to celebrate your return the price has been extremely high. And I join you in mourning those 64 soldiers who are not here and who made the ultimate sacrifice during these past months.

My heartfelt thoughts and prayers go out to their families as they continue to come to terms with their agonising loss.

This national event, the biggest of its kind ever to be staged, is to commemorate the service and sacrifices of 11 Light Brigade."

She also spoke of the devastating number of casualties suffered in the brigade, several of whom were present in wheelchairs, and praised the extraordinary care they have received at Selly Oak Hospital and Headley Grange.

Among those the Duchess met, during a private reception, were the families of two soldiers who had died. She presented the families with the Elizabeth Cross which is given to the bereaved.

Royal Welcome Home in Winchester for 650 Troops of 11 Light Brigade

650 soldiers of 11 Light Brigade accompanied by three bands marched through the City of Winchester in a homecoming parade and were addressed by Her Royal Highness the Duchess of Cornwall on 23 June. In glorious sunshine, an estimated crowd of 10,000 turned out to greet the troops who were representatives of the 5,100 men and women who made up 11 Light Brigade which served in Helmand province of Afghanistan from October 2009 to April 2010. This was the largest homecoming parade to date marking a national celebration for the return of the Brigade that was formed specifically for a six-month operational deployment to Afghanistan known as Operation Herrick 11. Each of the 12 regiments that formed the brigade were represented at the parade.

Following the parade the Duchess of Cornwall, the troops and accompanying guests attended a service, held in Winchester Cathedral, of thanksgiving and remembrance for the 64 soldiers killed in action.

Hampshire was home to 11 Light Brigade’s Headquarters in Aldershot. The brigade was made up of many different regiments and was unique in that it came into existence specifically for a tour of duty in Afghanistan to reduce pressure on other regiments that were being sent out increasingly frequently. Some of the units making up the Brigade were based in Hampshire but other regiments were based in Edinburgh, Chester, London and Germany. This was the final act of 11 Light Brigade before disbanding.

The parade was accompanied by the Bands of the Grenadier Guards, the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers and 3 Rifles.

The 12 regiments taking part in the parade were:

11 Light Brigade Headquarters Staff & 261 Signals Squadron
The Household Cavalry Regiment
1 Royal Horse Artillery
28 Engineer Regiment, The Royal Engineers
1st Battalion Grenadier Guards
1st Battalion Coldstream Guards
1st Battalion Royal Anglian Regiment
2nd Battalion The Yorkshire Regiment (Green Howards)
1st Battalion The Royal Welsh (The Royal Welsh Fusiliers)
3rd Battalion The Rifles
11 Explosive Ordnance Disposal Regiment, Royal Logistic Corps
10 Queen's Own Gurkha Logistic Regiment.

The timetable was as follows:

Midday

650 troops from 11 Light Brigade, accompanied by three bands marched from St Cross Cricket Ground along Southgate Street into Winchester. The troops formed up in the Broadway outside the Guildhall where wounded personnel, family representatives of some of the 64 soldiers killed in action and relations of the seriously injured were waiting.

1.15 pm
The Duchess of Cornwall addressed the troops from a dais before carrying out an inspection.

1.40 pm
There was a fly past of two Tornado jets before the Parade turned left and marched around King Alfred’s statue back up the High Street to Winchester Cathedral.

3.00pm
There was a private Service of Thanksgiving and Remembrance in Winchester Cathedral in recognition of the contribution and sacrifice of service personnel and their families on return from the conflict in Afghanistan. The cathedral service was for invited guests, all ranks, wounded personnel, family representatives of those killed in action and relations of the seriously injured who are unable to attend. Some 1,400 people attended the cathedral service and there was a private reception afterwards.

The brigade saw heavy fighting and took part in Operation Moshtarak, a major offensive against the Taliban.

Brigade Commander, Brigadier James Cowan, explained:

“Helmand is the most violent part of Afghanistan. Three of the four most violent districts in all of Afghanistan are in British Helmand. So it is a challenging area but one that I think we brought a measure of peace to.

During their tour 11 Light Brigade took part in Operation MOSHTARAK, the large multinational offensive to drive insurgents out of the Nad ‘Ali and Marjah areas of southern Helmand.

Brigadier Cowan said:

“The operation is widely viewed as a success, with ISAF forces now exerting greater influence in the region, denying the insurgents freedom of action and offering the local population the opportunity to build up civil institutions.”

The parade came the day after the news of the death of the 300th British soldier in Afghanistan since military operations began there.

The Duchess of Cornwall addressed the parade and said she was humbled and proud to be standing in front of them all. She said:

“Through all the adversity you have fought on with immense courage, displaying the highest level of dedication, loyalty and professionalism as you have gone about bringing stability and security to this troubled region.

You are all heroes and I salute you all for a job very well done.

You are an immense credit to your regiments, the brigade and to this country and you have proved once again that the British Army is the best in the world.

Although we are all here to celebrate your return the price has been extremely high. And I join you in mourning those 64 soldiers who are not here and who made the ultimate sacrifice during these past months.

My heartfelt thoughts and prayers go out to their families as they continue to come to terms with their agonising loss.

This national event, the biggest of its kind ever to be staged, is to commemorate the service and sacrifices of 11 Light Brigade."

She also spoke of the devastating number of casualties suffered in the brigade, several of whom were present in wheelchairs, and praised the extraordinary care they have received at Selly Oak Hospital and Headley Grange.

Among those the Duchess met, during a private reception, were the families of two soldiers who had died. She presented the families with the Elizabeth Cross which is given to the bereaved.

Royal Welcome Home in Winchester for 650 Troops of 11 Light Brigade

650 soldiers of 11 Light Brigade accompanied by three bands marched through the City of Winchester in a homecoming parade and were addressed by Her Royal Highness the Duchess of Cornwall on 23 June. In glorious sunshine, an estimated crowd of 10,000 turned out to greet the troops who were representatives of the 5,100 men and women who made up 11 Light Brigade which served in Helmand province of Afghanistan from October 2009 to April 2010. This was the largest homecoming parade to date marking a national celebration for the return of the Brigade that was formed specifically for a six-month operational deployment to Afghanistan known as Operation Herrick 11. Each of the 12 regiments that formed the brigade were represented at the parade.

Following the parade the Duchess of Cornwall, the troops and accompanying guests attended a service, held in Winchester Cathedral, of thanksgiving and remembrance for the 64 soldiers killed in action.

Hampshire was home to 11 Light Brigade’s Headquarters in Aldershot. The brigade was made up of many different regiments and was unique in that it came into existence specifically for a tour of duty in Afghanistan to reduce pressure on other regiments that were being sent out increasingly frequently. Some of the units making up the Brigade were based in Hampshire but other regiments were based in Edinburgh, Chester, London and Germany. This was the final act of 11 Light Brigade before disbanding.

The parade was accompanied by the Bands of the Grenadier Guards, the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers and 3 Rifles.

The 12 regiments taking part in the parade were:

11 Light Brigade Headquarters Staff & 261 Signals Squadron
The Household Cavalry Regiment
1 Royal Horse Artillery
28 Engineer Regiment, The Royal Engineers
1st Battalion Grenadier Guards
1st Battalion Coldstream Guards
1st Battalion Royal Anglian Regiment
2nd Battalion The Yorkshire Regiment (Green Howards)
1st Battalion The Royal Welsh (The Royal Welsh Fusiliers)
3rd Battalion The Rifles
11 Explosive Ordnance Disposal Regiment, Royal Logistic Corps
10 Queen's Own Gurkha Logistic Regiment.

The timetable was as follows:

Midday

650 troops from 11 Light Brigade, accompanied by three bands marched from St Cross Cricket Ground along Southgate Street into Winchester. The troops formed up in the Broadway outside the Guildhall where wounded personnel, family representatives of some of the 64 soldiers killed in action and relations of the seriously injured were waiting.

1.15 pm
The Duchess of Cornwall addressed the troops from a dais before carrying out an inspection.

1.40 pm
There was a fly past of two Tornado jets before the Parade turned left and marched around King Alfred’s statue back up the High Street to Winchester Cathedral.

3.00pm
There was a private Service of Thanksgiving and Remembrance in Winchester Cathedral in recognition of the contribution and sacrifice of service personnel and their families on return from the conflict in Afghanistan. The cathedral service was for invited guests, all ranks, wounded personnel, family representatives of those killed in action and relations of the seriously injured who are unable to attend. Some 1,400 people attended the cathedral service and there was a private reception afterwards.

The brigade saw heavy fighting and took part in Operation Moshtarak, a major offensive against the Taliban.

Brigade Commander, Brigadier James Cowan, explained:

“Helmand is the most violent part of Afghanistan. Three of the four most violent districts in all of Afghanistan are in British Helmand. So it is a challenging area but one that I think we brought a measure of peace to.

During their tour 11 Light Brigade took part in Operation MOSHTARAK, the large multinational offensive to drive insurgents out of the Nad ‘Ali and Marjah areas of southern Helmand.

Brigadier Cowan said:

“The operation is widely viewed as a success, with ISAF forces now exerting greater influence in the region, denying the insurgents freedom of action and offering the local population the opportunity to build up civil institutions.”

The parade came the day after the news of the death of the 300th British soldier in Afghanistan since military operations began there.

The Duchess of Cornwall addressed the parade and said she was humbled and proud to be standing in front of them all. She said:

“Through all the adversity you have fought on with immense courage, displaying the highest level of dedication, loyalty and professionalism as you have gone about bringing stability and security to this troubled region.

You are all heroes and I salute you all for a job very well done.

You are an immense credit to your regiments, the brigade and to this country and you have proved once again that the British Army is the best in the world.

Although we are all here to celebrate your return the price has been extremely high. And I join you in mourning those 64 soldiers who are not here and who made the ultimate sacrifice during these past months.

My heartfelt thoughts and prayers go out to their families as they continue to come to terms with their agonising loss.

This national event, the biggest of its kind ever to be staged, is to commemorate the service and sacrifices of 11 Light Brigade."

She also spoke of the devastating number of casualties suffered in the brigade, several of whom were present in wheelchairs, and praised the extraordinary care they have received at Selly Oak Hospital and Headley Grange.

Among those the Duchess met, during a private reception, were the families of two soldiers who had died. She presented the families with the Elizabeth Cross which is given to the bereaved.