THOUSANDS of people lined the streets of Winchester to welcome home hundreds of soldiers from Afghanistan.
The crowds clapped and cheered and many people including schoolchildren waved Union Jacks as the men from 11 Light Brigade marched from St Cross some 1.5 miles to the city centre, accompanied by three military bands yesterday.
People lined much of the route but in the city centre along the High Street and The Broadway it was four or five deep in places.
The soldiers, six abreast, marched in three groups with 3rd battalion The Rifles bringing up the rear as it marches at 140 paces a minute compared to the usual British Army pace of 120 steps.
The guest of honour was Camilla Duchess of Cornwall who inspected the parade, made a short speech and met injured servicemen and their families.
Bang on time at 1.40pm, four RAF Tornadoes roared over the city centre.
The parade marched on to Winchester Cathedral for a service of thanksgiving and as tribute to the 64 comrades killed by the Taliban since the brigade’s tour of duty started last autumn.
The brigade, comprising 12 regiments, will be disbanded and this was its final collective act.
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