Around 15,000 people lined the streets of Taunton to applaud the 700 men of 40 Commando as the Royal Marines completed their dozen-year campaign in Afghanistan.
The parade through the Somerset town was followed by a medals presentation back at base in Norton Manor Camp, where the Duke of Edinburgh was guest of honour.
Pictures: PO(Phot) Sean Clee, 3 Cdo Bde, and LA(Phot) Vicki Benwell, FRPU West
AN ESTIMATED 15,000 people turned out to see the final episode in the Royal Marines dozen-year campaign in Afghanistan: a parade through the heart of Taunton by the men of 40 Commando.
The good folk of Somerset gave the green berets a rousing reception as they marched through the centre of the town, while the Duke of Edinburgh – the Corps’ honorary head – presented the men with campaign medals back at Norton Manor, a few miles away.
40 were the first Royal Marines into Afghanistan and the last out – their return to base last month brings the curtain down on the commandos’ involvement in the troubled land.
Over those dozen years, the unit has deployed four times to the country at a cost of 18 lives, while 3 Commando Brigade has suffered 61 deaths – and many more wounded.
“We genuinely puffed out our chests today on this special occasion,” 40’s Commanding Officer Lt Col Matt Jackson told the crowds.
“Thank you for your overwhelming support and for allowing us to march through the wonderful town of Taunton.’’
Addressing the massed ranks of marines and guard in Taunton’s town square, the mayor Cllr Libby Lisgo called for a minute’s silence to “remember and say a silent thank-you to the brave” who had made the ultimate sacrifice.
“My thoughts and those of Taunton are with the families and friends of the deceased, for whom life will never be the same again,” she said.
The 700 Royal Marines – back from successfully helping the Afghan National Forces take lead responsibility for security and military tasks – then returned to Norton Manor for the presentation of medals to those whose tour of duty in Helmand had been their first (veterans of previous Operation Herricks had already received their decorations).
After the parade at which Prince Philip, Captain General of the Royal Marines, took the salute, Capt Jack Broughton, second in command of 40 Commando Logistics Company, hugged his wife Gillian and his 21-month-old son Thomas.
“It’s great to have my wife and lad here. It is great to be back home and to see Thomas so much bigger than when I left seven months ago,” he said
The town centre parade was very uplifting and shows how much people have been thinking of us while we were away.
“The parade and march-past was a fitting finale for all the operational tours by Marine units in Afghanistan over the years. Everyone did us proud.’”
Gillian said: “We really enjoyed the parades. It was a great atmosphere in Taunton. Thomas loved waving and breaking his Union Jack flags at the march.’’
This final tour of duty in Helmand – with the heavy weapons section of Charlie Company – was the third in six years for 28-year-old Cpl Sebastian Rolland from Luton.
“It gives me a feeling of massive pride to march through Taunton and have everyone cheering and clapping. It means a lot to have so many people’s support. The medals parade was very stirring and it was a great honour to have the Captain General there for all the lads.
“Having been to Afghan three times I have noticed the huge difference from when there was a concentration on heavy weapons use in the early tours, to now an emphasis on successfully mentoring the Afghan forces. It is very rewarding to see them taking on responsibility for security themselves.’’
The unit is now on eight weeks’ leave before resuming training.
