Stamford: RAF March in Homecoming Parade

12 November 2013, 06:10 | Updated: 12 November 2013, 06:12

3 Squadron Royal Air Force Regiment will march through their home town of Stamford on 14th November to mark their return from six gruelling months in Afghanistan.

During their deployment, 3 Squadron were tasked with the defence of Camp Bastion in Helmand Province. Bastion is the main British military base in Afghanistan and is the logistics hub for operations in Helmand.

Assembling on Bath Row at 10.00 am, the parade will march through the streets of historic Stamford giving a salute at Red Lion Square before concluding at Station Road.

At Red Lion Square the Lord Lieutenant of Lincolnshire, Mr Tony Worth, Stamford Mayor, Cllr Brian Sumner, Air Vice-Marshal Tim Bishop and RAF Wittering Station Commander, Damian Alexander will take a salute.

The band of the Royal Air Force Regiment from the Royal Air Force College at RAF Cranwell will strike up with some familiarly stirring tunes as 3 Squadron parades through Stamford's streets.

The band consists of around thirty musicians and will play a selection of familiar and upbeat military marches in keeping with the tone of the occasion.

No. 3 Squadron RAF Regiment is based at nearby RAF Wittering and arrived home on 2nd November to warm welcomes from colleagues, families and friends.

Station Commander, Group Captain Damian Alexander said; "The relationship between RAF Wittering and Stamford is mutually supportive. 3 Squadron RAF Regiment has done a great job in Afghanistan; it is therefore appropriate that the people of Stamford have been afforded the chance to express their gratitude, while 3 Squadron's personnel reciprocate, by acknowledging genuine support from the home town."