Around 250 soldiers from 1st Regiment Royal Horse Artillery marched through the streets of Doncaster today to mark their recent return from operations in Afghanistan. The troops were being given the freedom of the town and were also being presented with operational medals for their most recent tour in Afghanistan.
The soldiers were led through the town by 22 horses from the ceremonial King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery. The return of the soldiers from 1 RHA brings to an end a decade of constant deployment on operations by soldiers from the regiment.
Lieutenant Colonel Mike Elviss MBE RHA, the Commanding Officer of 1 RHA gives orders to the parade
Soldiers from the Regiment relax minutes before the parade begins in Doncaster
An officer waits for the parade to begin
Soldiers wait for orders at the start of the parade
The people in the town lined the streets, waving and clapping as the troops marched past
The King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery lead the soldiers through Doncaster
Soldiers carry out an ‘eye’s left’ as they march past the Mansion House in the centre of town
A couple of women enjoy a cuppa as the troops march past
Soldiers march through the centre of Doncaster
Soldiers parade outside Doncaster Civic Hall at the start of the medal parade
Soldiers stand to attention during the medal parade
A medal bearer carries Afghanistan operational medals
An officer stands with his sword during the parade
Soldiers stand to attention during the parade
Labour leader Ed Miliband was an unexpected visitor to the parade as he visited constituents in the area
Soldiers from 1 RHA on parade
The Lord Lieutenant of South Yorkshire, Mr David Moody speaks to troops as he presents operational medals
Soldiers ‘stand easy’ during the parade
An officer stands with his troops as the operational medals are presented
Soldiers from 1 Regiment Royal Horse Artillery prepare to leave the parade square at the end of the parade in Doncaster
Images copyright Ian Forsyth/Getty Images
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