Welcome home for the heroes (From Worcester News)

Welcome home for the heroes

2:20pm Friday 12th March 2010 in

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BATTLE-HARDENED troops have been welcomed home by hundreds of townspeople.

People in Kidderminster and Bewdley thronged the town centres for a view of the 200 members of the 2nd Battalion The Mercian Regiment (Worcesters and Foresters) marching, yesterday. Turning out in desert camouflage battle fatigues and berets, the men and women of the regiment exercised their freedom of both towns following a third gruelling tour of duty in Afghanistan’s Helmand province.

People showed their appreciation with applause and enthusiastic cheers.

Lieutenant Colonel Colin Marks, commanding officer, praised the “really good turnout”.

“It is very heartening for the soldiers to see so many friends and family being so supportive,” he said.

Coun Howard Martin, Kidderminster mayor said the “magnificent” turn-out was just reward for the soldiers’ service.

The regiment’s battlegroup took part in every major combat operation in Helmand between March and September 2009.

During the six-month tour, five members of the battalion were killed and 20 seriously wounded.