Riflemen honoured as freemen of Hounslow borough
Residents took to the streets last week to welcome back more than 500 soldiers from the Second Battalion, the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers.
The parade through the London Borough of Hounslow was organised to welcome back the battalion after their tour of Afghanistan, as well as commemorate the seven soldiers who lost their lives.
Cllr Peter Thompson, leader of the council, said, “Whilst we celebrate the safe return of so many, we can never forget the sacrifice of those who were lost in the line of duty, nor the grief of their families and friends.
“I am sure the people of Hounslow will join me in wanting to show our appreciation for their actions, and will welcome them home in the manner which they deserve.
“But this doesn’t end once the celebration is over, and the soldiers are safely home with their families. We all have a responsibility to live our lives with integrity and honesty to honour their actions.”
Before the parade, the regiment were given the freedom of the borough by Mayor of Hounslow, Cllr Paul Lynch. This is the highest honour the borough can bestow, which allows the regiment to march through the town with fixed bayonets and with colours flying.
In the same ceremony, Lt Col Charlie Calder, Commanding Officer, 2 RRF and two Ghurkhas who won VCs in WW II, Honorary Lieutenant Tul Bahadur Pun VC late of the 6th Ghurka Rifles and Hon Havildar Lachhiman Gurung VC late of the 8th Gurkha Rifles, were honoured as freemen of the borough.
The parade started from London Road (near the Hounslow bus station), with the soldiers marching along the High Street, onto Lampton Road arriving in Lampton Park. Members of the public were encouraged to come out onto the streets and watch the parade as it progressed through Hounslow.
After the battalion had arrived at Lampton Park, Cllr Peter Thompson and Brigadier Minter, colonel of the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers, took a salute and welcomed the troops back followed by a ceremony where medals were awarded to the soldiers.
The regiment enjoyed a private reception for the soldiers and their families in the afternoon.
November 30, 2009