THEY came out in their thousands and gave their heroes a welcome home to make them proud.

In spectacular scenes, people from across Hampshire and beyond descended on Southampton in an amazing show of support for the troops from the 1st Battalion, The Princess of Wales’s Royal Regiment (1PWRR).

The soldiers, known as the Armoured Tigers, had arrived in convoy aboard coaches and were joined by an army of 500 excited schoolchildren proudly carrying flags and posters they had made.

To a fanfare of music, screams, claps and cheers they marched their way into the front of the Civic Centre before dignitaries and specially invited guests.

It was a particularly proud day for Lance Corporal Roger Everett and Private Callum Daly, who were chosen to receive medals representing two very different operational tours of Afghan-istan and Iraq.

A rousing speech followed from Colonel Mike Scott, who told the crowds the regiment was proud and honoured to be part of such a special occasion in the city.

He added that recent events – notably the number of deaths in Afghanistan – had opened the eyes of many to the realities of life on the front line and the fact that Britain was indeed at war.

After the chimes of the Civic Centre clock rang out at noon, the regiment’s Kohima Band struck up and signified the start of the Tigers’ right to march through the city, drums beating and bayonets fixed.

But nothing could have prepared them for the size of the crowds that had patiently lined the pavements and road leading to the Bargate monument, waving Union flags and greeting them with rapturous applause.

The Romsey Parade

A large cannon hidden from view showered the troops, veterans and schoolchildren who had joined their march, with red, white and blue confetti while a 40ft flag blew in the wind high in the sky.

Veronica Lucas, a teacher from Thornhill Primary School, who was accompanying a class of youngsters, said: “We are so proud to be part of such a wonderful occasion. It’s particularly important to us as one of my former pupils, Matthew Bignell, was here today and we are all glad he is home safe.


“He was a pupil in my class and all of the kids wanted to cheer him on as they have got to know him when he comes home and pops in to see them in his uniform. It’s been tremendous.”

Lieutenant Colonel Charlie Sykes, Commanding Officer of 1PWRR, said: “I think it’s been an incredible, amazing day and the turnout has shown us the sheer strength of local support.”