Thousands lined the streets of Taunton yesterday as Royal Marines marched through their home town to mark an emotional return from their final deployment in Afghanistan.
An estimated 15,000 flag-waving well-wishers lined the streets and the cheers, whistles, applause, and banners, said it all. The 700 men of 40 Commando Royal Marines were back from Afghanistan for the fourth and final time, and parading through their home town of Taunton.
Somerset's county town is incredibly proud of the unit, based at nearby Norton Manor Camp. The Marines have the Freedom of the Borough, which gives them the right to parade. The town that has lit candles for them, held vigils for them and reached out to their families showed its joy at their return yesterday with a noisy, but dignified, celebration. Church bells rang out, and for a change the sun shone. Two years ago when Marines returned from their second tour they marched in pouring rain.
In 2001 40 Commando was the first Commando unit to go into Afghanistan, and earlier this year it became the last to leave. Some of those who marched are veterans, but a number for whom the last deployment was their first experience of the region, were presented with their campaign medals later back at the Camp by the Duke of Edinburgh, Captain General of the Royal Marines.
When the unit came to a halt in the town centre Councillor Libby Lisgo, Mayor of Taunton Deane, spoke for the community when she thanked those who have given service in the war-torn country over 12 years, and paid special tribute to those who had lost their lives, or suffered injury.
She said: "The sun is shining, Taunton is at its best for its best. Today it is my very real pleasure to welcome 40 Commando back to Taunton.
"In 2001 40 Commando were the first Commando unit in Afghanistan. The Royal Marines have lost a total of 61 killed in action. 40 Commando themselves have suffered a total of 18 killed in action in Afghanistan. My thoughts today and I am sure the thoughts of all of us gathered here are with the families and the friends of those 18, for whom life will never be quite the same."
Corporal David O'Connor, aged 27, of 40 Commando, was killed on the unit's most recent deployment, from which the unit returned last month. Four other servicemen were killed and the crowd fell silent as Mrs Lisgo asked all to take a moment to say thank you to brave men and women."
Lieutenant Colonel Matt Jackson, Commanding Officer of 40 Commando responded: "The connection between the people of Taunton and 40 Commando has grown exponentially since we first marched through in 2003. The depth of gratitude and support is unbelievably brilliant. Thank you once again for allowing us to march through this wonderful town. It is very much appreciated."
Thanking all the families he said: "We wouldn't be able to do it without your help and support."
And then with the order: "40 Commando, to the right Quick March," he led his troops away to the royal medals ceremony.
Former Royal Marines were conspicuous in the crowds. One of the first 'on parade' was Kenneth Parker, aged 88, president of the Bristol Branch of the Royal Marines Association.
"It's very important to be here. I've come to see the best," said the D-Day veteran as he talked with Warrant Officer 2 Andy Staff, a serving member of 40 Commando who in 28 years service has done four tours of Afghanistan, two of Iraq, three of Bosnia and five of Northern Ireland.
Former Marines Jack McKeeman and Ben Chetwyn, who both served with 40 Commando in Borneo, Singapore and Aden in the 1960s had a special reason to come. "We are both mentors to recruits in training and some of those marching today are among them," said Mr Chetwyn. "A bullet is a bullet, no matter where you are, and some of what they are seeing is very similar to what we saw in Aden."
Hundreds of children joined in the party, perched on shoulders, safely tucked into pushchairs, or, in the case of Tia Bloomfield, aged nine from the Isle of Wight, wrapped in the colourful flag of the Royal Marines. And shop staff, such as Helena Burtchaell aged 19, and Kerry Chilcott, aged 22, at Monsoon, paused to take in the scene. "We want to show support for what they have done for us," said Helena.
Some families had to set off before dawn. Marine signaller Martin Dodds' parents, Shaun and Tina Dodds left London in a hired van at 3.30am, travelling with the Marine's sister, Hannah, grandparents Sid and Brenda Robinson and Frank Dodds, and uncle Tony Robinson. Mr Dodd's girlfriend Kylie Parsons, and seven-week-old son, William, travelled by train. The Marine's mother said: "It's very important to be here. We are very relieved he came home safely. William was born just two weeks after Martin came home, and we are thinking of the families of those who have not come back."
Former Royal Marine Arnold Thacker and wife, Sarah were down from Leicester to see Mrs Thacker's son, Corporal Ryan Wells.
"I've joined the Royal Marines Association to help out and give something back" said Mrs Thacker, "and they are great to go for a drink with on a Saturday night."
Somerset County Council handed out yellow flags for the crowd to wave, saying it was doing so as a reminder of the Armed Forces Community Covenant. The Covenant, which is led in the county by the council, is a partnership of local armed forces, local authorities and the voluntary sector and promotes opportunities to link military and civilian societies. Groups across the country can apply for grants from a £35 million national Ministry of Defence fund for projects.
Mother-of-five Sue Cherry, 54, from Hastings in Sussex, travelled to Taunton with 13 members of her family. Her youngest child, Sam Cherry, aged 19, is a Royal Marine and served in Afghanistan. His father, Keith Cherry, aged 55, also served with the Royal Marines until leaving the forces in 1981.
Mrs Cherry, a personal assistant, said: "We are here to celebrate that our son has returned safely, but also to think of those who didn't come back. It must be very, very hard for their families. We are also here because Taunton really supports 40 Commando. We have been through a range of emotions but it is fabulous to be here today. It is such a relief to have Sam back, words can't describe it. We knew he was going out there, it is what he joined to do and we supported him."
The thoughts of all 15,000 were summed up by the simple message in one shop window: "thank you."
