HUNDREDS of people lined the streets of Wrexham as the Welsh Guards exercised their right to hold a Freedom March on Tuesday (September 17).
Soldiers were joined by their marching band with bayonets fixed and standards flying for the one-mile journey from the Barracks, Hightown, to Llwyn Isaf Green.
The battalion marched out of the Barracks at 11.00am before proceeding into town via Kingsmills Road, Salop Road, Yorke Street, Chester Street, Lambit Street and Queen Street, before going through Queens Square to assemble outside Wrexham’s Guildhall at 11.30am.
Welsh Guards march through the streets of Wrexham. Pictures by Keiran Samra
Speaking on the grounds of Llwyn Isaf Green, where the soldiers and watching crowds gathered, the Mayor of Wrexham, Councillor Andy Williams, said: “I’m pleased to see so many people supporting the parade.
“The regiment have always had a strong bond with the county borough, and as a military town, many have served or currently serve in the military ranks of the Welsh Guard.
“2020 will be an exciting year with a considerable amount of activity. The Prince of Wales company deploy an exercise to central America early in the year before being involved in the Queen’s birthday parade in June.
“This will be followed by a major battalion exercise to Kenya in the autumn in preparation for their deployment to Iraq in 2021.
“We are therefore extremely happy that the battalion have found the time to revisit Wrexham amidst this very busy schedule.
“Occasions such as today give us the opportunity to recognise the commitment and sacrifices of the brave men and women who have served, who currently serve and will serve their country in the future.
“The traditions of the armed forces are a source of pride to the people of Wrexham who turn out in great numbers to show their support to servicemen and women past and present.
“You (the Welsh Guard) have a valuable role in Wrexham, and I’d like to extend my personal thanks for the work you do.
“Thank you for your excellent standard, turnout, drill and music today, and please remember that you’ll always receive a perpetual welcome in Wrexham.”
The Welsh Guards were awarded the Freedom of the County Borough in 2014 at a ceremony held in the town centre.
The granting of the Freedom formally recognised the contribution the Welsh Guards have made to the county borough and their relationship with the authority and people of Wrexham.
In 2018, the battalion were in Kabul, Afghanistan, and returned safely in November without any casualties. They are now training and preparing for a tour of Iraq in 2021.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here