Hero troops given freedom of the borough (From Your Local Guardian)

Hero troops back from Afghanistan given freedom of Hounslow borough

11:56am Thursday 26th November 2009 in Local news By Paul Teed

Hero soldiers back from fighting in Afghanistan were today awarded the freedom of the borough to march with their flags flying, drums beating and bayonets fixed.

Hounslow Council granted the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers with the highest honour it can bestow to celebrate their return, and to commemorate the seven servicemen who lost their lives. Hundreds of residents were due to take to the streets today to cheer on more than 500 troops.

Brigadier Trevor Minter, who recieved the honour on behalf of the regiment, said: “As a regiment we are a family, and part of our family is here today in the next of kin of those who died on tour in Afghanistan. They are with us today, and on their behalf I thank you for honouring the fallen from our regiment.”

The council also made Gurkha veterans Honorary Lieutenant Tul Bahadur Pun VC and Honorary Lieutenant Havildar Lachhiman Gurung VC freemen of the borough. The full council chamber shouted the Gurkha war cry as Hounslow mayor Paul Lynch presented them with the honours.

The authority also made Lieutenant Colonel Charlie Calder, commanding officer of the 2nd Battalion the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers, a freeman of the borough.