9 Regiment RLC honoured after Afghan tour of duty

Soldiers from 9 Regiment, The Royal Logistic Corps (RLC), marched through Malmesbury yesterday where, in addition to receiving their Afghanistan operational medals, they were awarded the “Freedom” of the historic Wiltshire town.
The streets of Malmesbury line with well wishers

The event organised by the Town Council saw troops, dressed in their desert combat uniforms, forming up at the War Memorial in Malmesbury. From there, they were led by the band of the Royal Logistic Corps to the Town Square, where around 150 personnel from the Regiment were presented with their Operation HERRICK medals by the Lord Lieutenant of Wiltshire and the Mayor of Malmesbury.

Lord Lieutenant of Wiltshire and the Mayor of Malmesbury presenting medals

The parade then marched to Malmesbury Abbey where a service of thanksgiving was held, followed by a Civic Ceremony at the Town Hall. Throughout family, friends and people from the town showed their appreciation and cheered, applauded and waved flags.

“To come home and receive such a massive level of support from the local community is quite amazing, and unique in my twenty plus years service to date,” said Lieutenant Colonel Simon Jordan Commanding Officer 9 Regt RLC.

“In addition, to receive the freedom of Malmesbury is a seminal moment for the soldiers of 9 Regt. I am proud and honoured to accept this honour on their behalf. The parade is a celebration of the hard work conducted by the soldiers, a fitting end to a hard tour and an opportunity for the whole community to get together. On behalf of the whole Regiment I would like to thank the people of Malmesbury and the surrounding area for this fantastic display of support.”

Personnel from 9 Regiment completed their 6 month deployment to Afghanistan in May 2010. Those deployed were mainly from 94 Squadron Group with the backbone of personnel being Gurkha soldiers.

Operational Service medals

Once in Afghanistan they formed part of the Theatre Logistic Group, providing the British forces in Afghanistan with everything from bullets, body armour and medical supplies to fuel, rations, water and welfare facilities. Most of those on parade were stationed in Kandahar and Camp Bastion in Helmand province, although there were also detachments working from Kabul and various Forward Operating Bases.

Images: Sgt Adrian Harlen