Thousands welcome heroes home to Rochdale

Photo: Jan Harwood

Soldiers from the Second Battalion of the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers.

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Thousands of people packed the streets today (Monday 30 November) to say thank you to hundreds of soldiers for their overseas service during a parade through the town centre.

The Second Battalion of the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers paraded down Drake Street, onto the Esplanade and then towards the Town Hall, with well wishers lining the route.

The soldiers, many of whom are from the borough or have close family nearby, have recently returned from a six month tour of duty in Helmand Province, the most unstable area of Afghanistan.

Around 250 soldiers took part in the parade, including the Minden Band of the Queens Division and the Corps Drum of Second Battalion the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers.

The Mayor of Rochdale Councillor Keith Swift formally welcomed the battalion on the Esplanade before hosting the reception inside the town hall on behalf of the borough.

The Mayor said: “This is a really proud day for the town. To see thousands and thousands of people supporting the parade from start to finish was wonderful. I know the troops were absolutely delighted with the turn out - the cheering was that loud that they couldn't hear the orders that the sergeant major was shouting out.

"Today has been an opportunity for the people of Rochdale to show their thanks for what these brave and courageous men and women do and reflect on the sacrifices made. It is important for them to know that we appreciate the dedicated way in which they carry out their duties. This parade meant a great deal to everyone and it was very moving to see so many local people showing their support.”

Rochdale MP Paul Rowen told Rochdale Online: "I am hugely proud that so many people turned out to recognise the contribution that these lads have made over the last six months and the sacrifices that they have made, with many of them losing comrades and friends. They deserve 110% of our support."

Rochdale Online spoke exclusively to three of the returning soldiers, who were all glad to be back home.

Scott Fitzgerald, from Littleborough, said: "It's good to be back. It was a bit weird getting back and settling in at first but once you get back in the pub with your mates the novelty begins to wear off and it's back to normal."

Stephen Gregory, from Rochdale, was astounded at the numbers of people who lined the streets to welcome the troops home. He said: "It was a good turnout today and it's good to see local people supporting and cheering us. You don't really get a sense of how people feel when you're out there but today has shown that people do actually care about us."

Kristian Dawson said: "Whether people agree with the war or not, it's great to know that people are backing the troops. When we're out there people that we've never heard of send us parcels, it's really thoughtful. I did not expect a turnout as big as this today in Rochdale, I was really surprised - it gives you the motivation to carry on with the job."

The troops will spend six weeks at home for Christmas before continuing their civil duties in London. It will be September 2012 before they are commissioned back to Afghanistan.