8 NAVY NEWS, AUGUST 2009
pictures: po(phots) dave husbands, 3 cdo bde,
and amanda reynolds, dpr(n)
● Applause ripples along Plymouth Hoe as the Royals march past
and (below) men from 3 Cdo Bde approach Parliament
Going public
THEY applauded them in
of 845 and 846 NAS and Lynx remembrance and thanksgiving. it is to promote and understand
the shadow of Big Ben.
of 847 NAS – and personnel have Some 1,600 friends and family the work of the Corps).
They applauded them in Exeter
been deployed to Afghanistan in of the Helmand task force were Like their CHF comrades, the
High Street.
support of the Allied peacekeeping invited to the service, which marines marched through the
They applauded them along
mission for the past two years. was also broadcast on a giant heart of the capital from Wellington
The Mall.
Upon reaching Clarence House, TV screen for those unable to fit Barracks, near Buckingham Palace,
They applauded them on
the 122 sailors and commandos inside the cathedral. to the Houses of Parliament.
Plymouth Hoe.
received their Afghanistan The congregation witnessed And if all that public recognition
The gratitude of the British
Operational Service Medals candles being lit for all 37 men wasn’t enough, there was a high-
people, politicians and royalty was
from the royal couple, watched tched inin the br the igade killed during its profile parade through Plymouth
voiced very publicly for the men
by families. deployyment. city centre too.
and women of the Royal Navy in
“It was a momentousntous AAnd they heard brn igade Some 300 Royal Marines from
recognition of their deeds – and
occasion for all – there wwaas s comcommander Brig Gordon UK Landing Force Command
sacrifices – in Afghanistan.
a clear sense of pride,de, MMessenger praise the Support Group (who gathered
Last month, we reported how
mingled with relief foror aaccomplishments of hisc and assessed the intelligence
the small Somerset town of
a safe return and a job b fforce – and praise the behind operations on the ground)
Wincanton honoured the fliers and
well done,” said CHF’s British people for their and the headquarters staff of
ground crew of the Commando
Commanding Officer stoicism and support. 3 Commando Brigade from
Helicopter Force.
Capt Jon Pentreath. “It was a hugely Stonehouse marched on the sea
Well, this month the Yeovilton-
“It was a rare privilege challenging tour for front and through the heart of
based force was celebrated on the
and an honour for everyone, but the the city..
largest stage of all, the nation’s
members of my force to biggest progress was Green berets present were
capital. receive their operational
made,” he said. joined by green berets past on the
More than 120 personnel from medals from Their Royal
“The parade and city’s streets as the Royal Marines
the CHF were invited to Clarence Highnesses. It’s an occasion service are a fitting opportunity
Association saluted today’s
House, the official London which will be remembered with for everyone involved in the
Corps.
residence of the Prince of Wales great pride and much fondness.” deployment – at home and “It is pretty clear,” UKLF
and Duchess of Cornwall. While Prince Charles was overseas – to come together: all CSG’s Commanding Officer Lt
Prince Charles flew with 845 chatting with the airmen, his father the companies, the families, whose Col Andrew McInerney declared,
NAS back in 1975 (and was the was in Exeter taking the salute support is vital, as well as the “that the UK population supports
first member of the Royal Family from 3 Commando Brigade. British public.” the soldier, whatever they think of
to fly with an operational Fleet Air The green berets – and the Army The march-past and church the mission they are sent on.”
Arm Squadron). and RN personnel who served with service in Exeter were not the Capt Jim Pascoe, 3 Cdo Bde
Rather than simply turn up at them during Operation Herrick 9, only form of public recognition adjutant added, “This is our home
the gates in a couple of buses, the 2008-09 roulement of British for the brigade. city and we are honoured that the
the personnel marched through forces through Afghanistan – Around 120 personnel people of Plymouth value us so
the centre of London, past marched through Devon’s county were invited to the Palace of highly.
Buckingham Palace and along town, past the Duke of Edinburgh, Westminster for an official “We were very keen to show
The Mall, led by the Band of HM Captain General of the Corps, reception from MPs, hosted by in response how much we value
Royal Marines Portsmouth. outside the Guildhall, then on to the All Party Parliamentary Group their support during our time in
CHF helicopters – Sea Kings Exeter Cathedral for a service of for the Royal Marines (whose job Afghanistan.”
● (Below) The Duchess of Cornwall chats with members of the
Commando Helicopter Force in the grounds of Clarence House and
(left) some of the 37 candles lit inside Exeter Cathedral for personnel
of 3 Commando Brigade killed in action during its recent six-month
tour of duty in Afghanistan
008_NN_August.indd 1 14/7/09 10:14:46
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