Hampshire's homecoming parade (From This is Hampshire)
When news happens, text SDE and your photos or videos to 80360. Or contact us by email and phone.
Hampshire's homecoming parade
2:16pm Tuesday 29th January 2008 in News
THOUSANDS of well-wishers lined the streets of Winchester today (January 29) to welcome home Hampshire's armed forces personnel from Iraq and Afghanistan.
The special homecoming parade - organised by Hampshire County Council and Winchester City Council - included representatives from The Rifles - which has its Headquarters in Winchester - 1st Battalion Irish Guards, 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards, The Kings Royal Hussars, HMS Richmond, 4 General Support (Medical) Regiment and RAF Odiham.
All have seen service in Iraq and Afghanistan in the past year.
The thronging crowds that lined the length of the High Street gave them a rapturous reception as they marched from outside the Guildhall up to the Great Hall on a sunny, crisp morning.
As they got to the top of the High Street, two Chinook helicopters flew low overhead, wowing the onlookers with their distinct thunderous engines.
Outside the Hampshire County Council building, the Lord Lieutenant of Hampshire, Mary Fagan and the leader of the county council, Cllr Ken Thornber, took the salute. They then hosted a special reception at the Great Hall.
*For more details and pictures see this week's Hampshire Chronicle.
If you took part in the parade or witnessed it add your comments below.
