As promised, official details of the Freedom Marches for 1 R Anglian. The following Call to Arms has been put out by RHQ. I hope all in East Anglia who can, will respond:
The 1st Battalion will exercise their right to the Freedoms of Norwich on 22 Nov (1400-1515 hrs) and Bury St Edmunds on 23 Nov (1130-1245 hrs).
Regimental Secretary Norfolk is responsible for the organization of both events, the details of which are as follows:
• Norwich.
o Date: Thursday 22nd November
o Timings: 1400-1515 hours
o Route: Parade City Hall. March Gaol Hill, London St, Queens St, Tombland, Cathedral West Porch.
• Bury St Edmunds.
o Date: Friday 23rd November
o Timings: 1130-1245 hours
o Route: Parade Angel Hill. March Churchgate St, Guildhall St, Abbeygate St, Angel Hill, Abbey Gate.
Ensuring that the Vikings are welcomed home in a manner befitting their valiant deeds and considerable sacrifice will require your personal support and, where possible, your attendance. It will also require the support and attendance of the general public.
A Regimental Call to Arms has therefore been sounded; it contains a simple message: “The 1st Battalion The Royal Anglian Regiment, known as the Vikings, have just returned from a 6 month operational tour in Helmand Province, Afghanistan. This magnificent fighting Battalion, representing the very best of East Anglia, has been taking the battle to the Taliban in arguably the most intensive war fighting campaign for over 50 years. Tragically, 9 of these brave young men have been killed in action in the service of their Country; many more have been wounded, some grievously.
The Head of the British Army, General Sir Richard Dannatt, is increasingly concerned about the growing gulf between the Army and the Nation. He has contrasted the outstanding appreciation that America gives to its armed forces with that of the UK, where we still have people objecting to a home for our wounded soldiers’ families. He has wondered how many local Battalions will be given homecoming parades when they return from operations.
Lt Col Stuart Carver, the Commanding Officer of the Vikings, has asked for a public show of support to demonstrate to our young soldiers that people at home understand and appreciate the sacrifices they have made. He would like to think that General Dannatt has nothing to fear – in East Anglia anyway.
"I intend to stand in the street to welcome home our soldiers. Who will stand with me?”
This message has been distributed to newspapers throughout East Anglia who may or may not choose to publish it; it is also being distributed as an email on the Regimental Email Address List; feel free to personalize it and