Princess awards medals to soldiers 31.05.12
6Soldiers who have completed a six‑month tour of Afghanistan have been presented with medals by the Princess Royal.
More than 250 servicemen and women from the 1st UK Armoured Division Headquarters and Signal Regiment were on parade at Hammersmith Barracks, Germany, this morning.
The princess presented operational service medals to 180 who had completed their first tour of Afghanistan.
She said the regiment had made a "significant contribution" to the UK mission, including taking part in foot patrols and providing vital communications to support "the full spectrum of activities in
Afghanistan".
The princess added: "This is an important day to recognise the efforts of those who deployed but also to recognise the sacrifice of those left at home, including the rear operations group and your families who have had to deal with that separation in their own ways."
It was the third medals ceremony in Germany attended by the Princess Royal in two days and families of the servicemen and women were keen to celebrate the Queen's Diamond Jubilee as well as recognising the achievements of their loved one.
Many of the children at the parade attend Lister Primary School in Herford and enjoyed a special Jubilee lunch yesterday.