In pictures: 40 Commando homecoming parade
- Published
A homecoming parade has taken place through Taunton for about 700 Royal Marines from 40 Commando to mark their fourth and final deployment to Afghanistan.
The unit was led by the Royal Marines band as they marched through the town centre.
The main aim of the mission of the deployment was to hand over to the Afghan forces as part of the staged withdrawal of troops to the war-torn country.
The vast majority of the crowds were along North St, the main shopping street in Taunton.
An address was made to the unit outside Castle Bow to mark the end of the parade.
The town's mayor, Libby Lisgo, made a speech where she thanked 40 Commando and reflected the 18 lives which were lost during the four tours to Afghanistan.
The troops almost started to move off in different directions when an order was made, but the instruction was not heard correctly due to the loud cheers.
A medals ceremony is due to be held at the unit's base at Norton Manor Camp near Taunton.
- Published16 May 2013
- Published13 May 2013