Thousands cheer Chivenor troops as they march through Barnstaple
THOUSANDS lined the streets of Barnstaple this morning, to welcome home around 600 Chivenor troops who have just returned from Afghanistan.
The Commando Logistic Regiment, based at RMB Chivenor have just returned to the UK following a tough six months in the volatile Helmand Province — but today was all about celebration as local people lined the streets to cheer the servicemen and women home.
School children were excused from class, shops shut, and young and old waved Union flags as the regiment made its way from Yeo Vale, through the packed High Street, and then back along the Strand.
The Strand was the place to be, as hundreds of people crammed in, to watch the parade headed up by CLR CO Col Andy Maynard salute dignitaries to the right.
Bev Riach, wife of RSM Bruce Riach was in the crowd to cheer on her husband.
She said: "I'm extremely proud of all of our troops, and everyone involved, I'm just glad that they're back."
West Buckland School's year six class were an excitable bunch on The Strand, enthusiastically waving flags and cheering.
One girl said she thought the soldiers were very brave.
Claire Balneaves, whose husband was marching said: "It was absolutely fantastic, everyone was out, and the cheer was fantastic as they came past."
Read the full story with more interviews and photographs in the
Journal
on Thursday.
13 Comments
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by Sylvia Moore, Devon
Saturday, June 27 2009, 10:05AM
“Yea lets not mention about the war being totally illegal and all the countless lives lost, murdered and killed.”
by Stacey, barnstaple
Tuesday, April 28 2009, 8:56AM
“Congrats to all the troops that made it home safe, and tributes to those you didnt make it. Watching as they all walked past, made me proud to be british. Im leaving in July with the navy and with crowds like that will make me proud to serve for my country!
Well done troops!”
by theo, barum
Monday, April 27 2009, 8:36PM
“well done barny town, you've doen the lads proud ! as a service man myself very proud to be a barnstaple man this evening - and not a crazy protester in sight - happy days !”
by Claudia, Cornwall
Monday, April 27 2009, 12:03PM
“Well done”
by Nicci, Plymouth
Monday, April 27 2009, 10:11AM
“I went to the parade, i was so proud of my fiance and my cousin, it was an amazing atmosphere and a great day. Well done to all the wives, girlfriends who have coped through the deployment as its tough back at home without our loved ones.”
by Robin, Barnstaple
Sunday, April 26 2009, 7:02PM
“In recent months people throughout the UK have given our armed forces returning from overseas service a great welcome home and the welcome given by the people of Barnstaple last Friday was as good as any and possibly better! Not since the days of our forces returning from the Falklands have we seen such displays of great pride in what our boys and girls in our armed forces have achieved. It was also good to see the flag of St. George flying over Barnstaple's Civic Centre on St George's Day last Thursday.”
by m slee, braunton
Sunday, April 26 2009, 12:50PM
“good to see troops back safe and tributes to the ones who didnt make it back , i only managed to watch braunton parade but my thaughts and many others were thinking of them whilst the barnstaple march took place”
by Peter eames, Cardiff
Saturday, April 25 2009, 5:52AM
“hello there I wish I had been there I welcome home the troops with open Arms and wish to be in Plymouth to welcome home The Marines when they March through in July
all the best from
Peter Eames”
by Sarah, Barnstaple
Friday, April 24 2009, 5:38PM
“What a morning!
Wonderful to see you marching through the town and to have you home safe and my wishes go to the families of who werent there in body .I am extreamly proud.”
by maddison davies, terford
Friday, April 24 2009, 4:02PM
“good to see my sons troop home safe but miss my son marine damian davies , loads well done all you lads xxx proud of you all”