I understand what FSJ is saying especially about the BS factor and about many of the blokes being indifferent to it. I have also heard people complain about not being 'invited' to parades or medal presentations. I know several people who have done many tours as IRs (regular and reserve) who have never had a formal thanks.

Yes I know they get paid and all the rest of it but its public recognition for a job well done...

You can see the photos I took of three homecoming parades on flickr:

11 Light Brigade Winchester June 2010

11 Light Brigade Homecoming from Afghanistan Parade Winchester - 23 June 2010 - a set on Flickr

Royal Anglian Regiment Norwich November 2007

Royal Anglian Regiment Freedom March through Norwich - November 2007 - a set on Flickr

London Regiment London October 2007

London Regiment homecoming parade - 14 October 2007 - a set on Flickr

Originally Posted by veryamateurish

You can see the photos I took of three homecoming parades on flickr

Thanks for those.

Originally Posted by Fallschirmjager

What are your views on homecoming marches?

We didn't have one after Herrick 4 thank god, though a Company has been dicked to march through Colchester soon with other elements of 16AA Bde after Herrick 8 (though 8 months later!).
Myself, I think it's a little cheesy. It's like 'Look at us! Look what we've done in Afghan!'. I just feel we've done what we get paid to do over there and that's it. I don't want recognition and neither does anyone I talk to. I could understand a one off war like the Falklands having a parade but they didn't have them after NI tours in the seventies.

Anyway, that's my thoughts. I'm not against them, I just feel we're doing no more then what we're paid to do.

Have you been on one? The reason I ask is that chatting to some Coldstream guards after their's in Windsor, the consensus was that most of them did not want to do it beforehand, one of the proudest days of their lives after. There is goodwill for the armed fores in civ-div, these things give us a chance to show it.

Good for national pride, and two fingers up to their enemies, who unfortunately lurk in the crowd and roam our streets. Great to see these parades and the people who take part. Good to shake their hand, look them in the eye and say "well done mate, proud of you".

Trem'

1 edit. Fat fingers.

Just another way of saying "the boys are back in town", lock up your wives/daughters/grannies/goats.

I think it's a good thing. Regardless of all the politics, the attendance of the public shows that the efforts and hardships endured by the troops who have just returned are not forgotten and appreciated. Many are unable to turn up due to work, as I was myself to a local one. Otherwise I would have gone. As has been mentioned previously, a parade always makes a soldier a few inches taller and the best part is the few beers afterwards. I know if the parade ended outside wetherspoons, those taking part would have a few free beers pushed their way.

Nottingham 10 December, standby, Lancers are coming home

Originally Posted by Tremaine

and two fingers up to their enemies,

I dont think the Homecoming parades have anything to do with that. Certainly i dont think the Taliban give a toss if we parade or not.

Carlsberg don't do homecoming Parades but if they did it would be Norn Iron. Over 25 Thousand of us turned out see our own & show our support to the 1st Btn RIR in Belfast on a cold November Sunday in 08. They have just returned to Afghanistan & next years homecoming Parade will be even bigger !!

Faugh A Ballagh

YouTube - Royal Irish Regiment Home Coming Belfast November 2008