Welsh Guards hold Rhondda Cynon Taf freedom parade in Pontypridd
- Published
The Welsh Guards marched through Pontypridd on their way to being granted the freedom of the borough of Rhondda Cynon Taf. The regiment has strong links with the borough - five guardsman killed in the Falklands War were from the area as was Guardsman Craig Roderick who died in Afghanistan last year.
Thousands lined the route through the town and gathered in Ynysangharad War Memorial Park where the official ceremony was held. The park has recently seen the unveiling of a new war memorial.
Mayor Doug Williams inspected the battalion. He said: "The conferment of the freedom of the borough is not something that occurs often and is indeed never given lightly. The Welsh Guards have joined a select group of individuals and groups in receiving this honour." The Royal Welsh Regiment also enjoys the freedom of Rhondda Cynon Taf.
The freedom scroll was handed to the regimental adjutant Col Tom Bonas. He said: "The fact that we had the regimental band and the whole battalion on parade indicates just how important this occasion is to us."
The regiment's first Victoria Cross was won by Sgt Robert Bye, from Pontypridd, in the summer of 1917 during the Battle of Passchendaele. Until a few months ago, those on parade on Wednesday were in Afghanistan's Helmand province fighting the Taliban and training local police.
The pomp and ceremony went down well with the crowds. These youngsters joined in with some impromptu salutes.