Thousands turn out to welcome Fusiliers home

The First Battalion of the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers homecoming parade

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The First Battalion of the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers was greeted by thousands of well wishers as they paraded in Rochdale today (Tuesday 19 November).

Following a six month tour of Afghanistan the Fusiliers are now home and were thanked by crowds of people who lined the streets to see them.

Lance Corporal Patrick DeCourcey, who returned home to Rochdale after ten years, said: “We received a nice warm welcome.

"I feel very proud to return and it was nice to see some faces that I haven’t seen in a long time. Coming back to that reaction shows that the town appreciates what we do.”

Lance Corporal Mark Reeves, from Milnrow, said: “It was cold but it was a good turnout. I didn’t expect it to be as busy as it was. It is nice to receive that reaction from your home town.”

Captain Rex Anderton said: “The turnout was great. It is really good for the guys who are from Rochdale to see that. Rochdale and Bury are one of our highest recruitment places so it is nice to be here.”

The parade started at 11am from Maclure Road by the Old Fire Station. The 1st Battalion was then lead down Drake Street into the town centre and to The Esplanade. A reception was then held in the Town Hall for the Fusiliers and their families.

Council Leader, Councillor Colin Lambert said: “The Rochdale people have done us proud today and have done the men and women coming home proud.

"There were a few tears in the crowd but a lot of those tears were tears of joy.

"There are families here today welcoming home loved ones.

"We welcome everyone from the Fusiliers to Rochdale.

"Today we have welcomed home our sons and daughters.”

Rochdale has had strong links with the Fusiliers since 1881. The Fusiliers were awarded Freedom of the Borough in 1947.