Canterbury welcomes home heroes

By Jacob Norgrove

Picture from:www.kentonline.co.uk

CROWDS gathered in the city centre today to welcome home Argyle and Sutherland Highlanders after their latest successful tour of Afghanistan. The returning soldiers exercised their freedom of the city by marching though Canterbury this morning.

The battalion, led by the Regimental Military Band playing the pipes and drums, were dressed in ceremonial kilts, carrying weapons with bayonets attached. The regiment’s mascot Cruachan III, a shetland pony, also led the march.

Masses of people lined the path that began at Canterbury West station and stretched through the city to the cathedral. As the procession began at 10.30 the congregation continued to grow with children from the Pilgrims’ Way and St Peters Methodist Primary Schools joining the celebrations.

The procession continued through Westgate Towers, passing Lord Mayor, Cllr Pat Todd. It then passed through Whitefriars Square, Canterbury Lane and Burgate. A service of thanks took place at the cathedral at 11.30, members of the battalion and family members attended.

The Argylls took part in major operations in Helmand Province along with coalition forces, including operation HERRICK 13 from September last year to April.