Hero’s return and parade through Canterbury’s city centre

THE CROWDS gathered in Canterbury town centre this morning, to welcome back the return Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders as they celebrated their recent return from another successful visit to Afghanistan.
They started their parade at 10.30am leaving from Canterbury West train station, led by the pipes and drums of the Regimental Military Band. The parade continued through the Westgate Towers and into the high street, reaching the gathered crowds, who filled the streets for their return. It then finished at Canterbury Cathedral Precincts and 11am.

The battalions were dress in their ceremonial dress, which concluded of kilts and weapons, completed with bayonets fixed on.

A service of thanks for the battalion and their families started at the cathedral from 11.30am.  Giving a chance for everyone to reminisce on hero’s we lost as well as those who survived, while at Afghanistan.

In 2004 it was announced that the Argyll and Sutherland highlanders would be combined with the other Scottish infantry regiments into the, Royal Regiment of Scotland, known as The Argyll and Sutherland highlanders, 5^th Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland.

From last September till April, The Royal Regiment of Scotland joined coalition forces in Helmond Province during operation HERRICK 13.

The soldiers helped to train members of the police and Afghan National Army, in providing security throughout the capital Lashkar Gar .

However, daily patrols and larger co, ordinated assaults saw them come into regular contact with Taliban insurgents.