City celebrates soldiers' return

The soldiers marched through the city before a service of remembrance

Soldiers have paraded through Canterbury city centre to celebrate their homecoming following a six-month tour of duty in Afghanistan.

The Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, 5th Battalion, arrived back at Howe Barracks in the Kent city in October.

The city's streets were brought to a standstill as flag-waving supporters lined the route to the cathedral.

Last month the battalion was awarded the Freedom of the City of Canterbury in recognition of its service.

During the parade, the battalion of about 500 soldiers exercised its right to march through the city with guns and bayonets drawn for the first time.

'Served with distinction'

General Andrew Graham, Colonel of the Regiment, was presented the Freedom Scroll by the Lord Mayor, Carolyn Parry, before the soldiers joined a private service of thanksgiving and remembrance.

The citation said the honour was "in recognition of the excellent relations that exist between the community of Canterbury and the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, 5th Battalion, The Royal Regiment of Scotland, which has served with distinction in many theatres of war and conflict".

A company of 5 Scots was deployed in Garmsir, the most southern British outpost in Afghanistan with B Company in Lashkar Gar, the capital of Helmand Province and D Company in Musa Qala the most northern position.

During their deployment L/Cpl James "Jimmy" Johnson, 31, was killed by an anti-personnel mine.

He had been part of a vehicle checkpoint patrol operating in the Lashkar Gar area in June.

Sixteen other soldiers were injured during the tour, sustaining gunshot wounds and fragmentation from rocket propelled grenades with 65 receiving minor injuries, including heat stroke and broken ankles.

I'm really pleased that the people of Canterbury were so supportive as relations between us haven't always been that good Capt Ross Boyd

During the hour-long cathedral service the battalion's chaplain, Padre Colin MacLeod, said prayers for L/Cpl Johnson.

He said the regiment must support each other and their families in times of grief.

Addressing the soldiers, he said that their service was an example of how "Christianity must be practical".

Speaking after the service, soldiers said they felt "proud" to have received such a welcome.

Capt Ross Boyd, 26, said: "I was really chuffed by the reception we got. It made us proud.

"I'm really pleased that the people of Canterbury were so supportive as relations between us haven't always been that good, I'm sure that was a minority though."