VIDEO: Hundreds support regiment's first march through town

Crowds turned out to see the Royal Anglian Regiment parade through Hemel's old town for the first time yesterday (Thursday, April 14).
Sergeant Ray McCaughy, left, and Corporal Ryan Cusick, right, met Kacey Land, 11, and Scarlet Lowe, nineSergeant Ray McCaughy, left, and Corporal Ryan Cusick, right, met Kacey Land, 11, and Scarlet Lowe, nine
Sergeant Ray McCaughy, left, and Corporal Ryan Cusick, right, met Kacey Land, 11, and Scarlet Lowe, nine

The march, organised by Dacorum Borough Council, was the first for the regiment which was awarded freedom of the borough in late 2014.

This honour recognises the dedicated work of the armed forces and means the regiment can now hold ceremonial marches through the borough.

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The regiment is the second organisation in Dacorum to be given Freedom of Entry to the Borough, after RAF Halton was granted the same in 2009.

The Royal Anglian Regiment marched through Hemel Hempstead for the first time on Thursday, April 14 2016The Royal Anglian Regiment marched through Hemel Hempstead for the first time on Thursday, April 14 2016
The Royal Anglian Regiment marched through Hemel Hempstead for the first time on Thursday, April 14 2016

There was a great atmosphere as locals and business owners came out to witness the parade led by the Parachute Regiment Band, as well as addresses by Dacorum mayor Gbola Adeleke and Major Frank Atkins, who spoke representing Lt Col Brown.

At one of his last official functions as Mayor of Dacorum, Councillor Adeleke said: “It is an honour and a privilege to be here on this historic day to welcome The Royal Anglian Regiment, 2nd Battalion The Poachers, who have been given Freedom of Entry to our borough.

“I will remember this day as a wonderful highlight of the busy year I have spent in office as mayor.

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“I would like us to remember all those servicemen and women serving their and our country, we are very grateful for the important contribution they make for the safety and well-being of everyone.

The soldiers are know as 'The Poachers'. Corporal Steven Lawson, left, was dressed as oneThe soldiers are know as 'The Poachers'. Corporal Steven Lawson, left, was dressed as one
The soldiers are know as 'The Poachers'. Corporal Steven Lawson, left, was dressed as one

“It was a fantastic day for The Royal Anglian Regiment and for the borough of Dacorum.”

Major Atkins thanked the people of Dacorum ‘for their support to our battalion’s soldiers’.

He said: “We are very proud to be a county infantry battalion who recruit soldiers exclusively from the counties of East Anglia and the East Midlands.

“Your support from back home is vital to the spirit of our troops.”