3:00pm Friday 27th November 2009
More than 500 soldiers received a hero's welcome when they paraded though Hounslow to mark their return from Afghanistan.
Members of the 2nd Battalion, the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers, were also granted the freedom of their home borough of Hounslow yesterday.
The battalion lost seven soldiers during the summer in Helmand, with four soldiers being killed in one weekend by explosions on foot patrol.
The seven soldiers were Fusilier Louis Carter, 19, Fusilier Shaun Bush, 24, Lance Corporal James Fullarton, 24, Fusilier Petero Suesue, 28, Sergeant Simon Valentine, 29, Fusilier Simon Annis, 19, and Corporal Joseph Etchells, 22. The battalion is based at Cavalry Barracks in Hounslow.
A ceremony at Hounslow town hall, where the troops were given the freedom of the borough by mayor Paul Lynch, was followed by a parade through the borough. Hundreds of people lined the streets, carrying flags and banners, to welcome the troops home.
The freedom is the highest honour the borough can bestow and it allows the regiment to march through the town with fixed bayonets and with colours flying.
Lieutenant Colonel Charlie Calder, the regiment's commanding officer, said: "All Fusiliers can return proud in the knowledge they left their little bit of Afghanistan significantly better than they found it."
Council leader Peter Thompson said: "While we celebrate the safe return of so many, we can never forget the sacrifice of those who were lost, nor the grief of their families and friends.
"I am sure the people of Hounslow will join me in wanting to show our appreciation, and will welcome them home in the manner they deserve."
The event was being supported by Fullers, Coors and Britvic, who, between them supplied 4,000 pints of beer and lager, 18 cases wine, and soft drinks.
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