1st Artillery Brigade march with pride 15.02.13
5Hundreds of troops marched on Sandown Park today ahead of the Royal Artillery Gold Cup.
On the stroke of 10.30am, 1st Artillery Brigade, including troops from 5th Regiment Royal Artillery, 32nd Regiment Royal Artillery and 39th Regiment Royal Artillery, stepped off to parade through Esher to mark the end of their latest operational tour of duty in Afghanistan.
They were accompanied by the spectacular World War One 13-Pounder guns and the horses of the King's Troop Royal Horse Artillery, the Royal Artillery Band and local Cadet Troops.
Taking the salute was the Master Gunner St James's Park, General Sir Timothy Granville-Chapman, who was joined by the Mayor of Elmbridge.
The Commander 1st Artillery Brigade, Colonel Mark Thornhill said: "The past 10 years have been one of intense commitment to Iraq and Afghanistan for the men and women of the Royal Regiment of Artillery, and especially 1st Artillery Brigade.
"As our time in Afghanistan comes towards its end, we are confident that the changes we have witnessed and the training we will continue to provide to the Afghan Forces will leave Afghanistan fit for the future.
"I would like to thank all of our families and friends for their incredible support, and of course the people of Esher; their support and recognition make a world of difference."