Public urged to welcome back Yorkshire Regiment soldiers

A special homecoming parade is taking place in Halifax on Tuesday, December 4.

A spokeswoman for Calderdale Council said: “People are encouraged to line the streets to show their support, respect and thanks to the troops following their return from a six-month tour of duty in Afghanistan.

“This momentous event is a fitting tribute to the local soldiers, as Halifax was home to the Duke of Wellington’s Regiment for more than 85 years.

“The Wellington Chapel is in Halifax Minster and all the Colours of the Regiment are displayed there.”

The parade starts from the Shay Stadium at 11.40am. Over 400 soldiers will march through the town to the Piece Hall, where they will stop at noon to hear speeches from the Mayor of Calderdale, Councillor John Hardy, and Commanding Officer Colonel Zac Stenning.

At 12.30pm, the battalion will march from the Piece Hall to Halifax Minster for a service from 1.30pm. The parade will make its way from the Minster at 3pm back to the Shay Stadium for a private reception.

Councillor Hardy said: “The homecoming parade will be an unforgettable day of joy and great pride. It’s a privilege to welcome the battalion back to their home town of Halifax. They have a long history with the town, and people who live here hold them in high regard. I encourage people to turn out on the day to honour the troops and cheer them on.”

Major Bob Heron, from the Regimental Headquarters at Wellesley Park, Halifax, says: “The battalion has very recently returned from an incredibly tough, but hugely successful tour in Afghanistan.

“Tragically, as a result of this tour, the battalion has lost ten of its brothers in arms who we will be particularly remembering on this day.

“I cannot stress enough how important the support from families and friends from their home communities has been to them throughout this tour of duty, so I implore you to come out on the street of Halifax on 4 December, to welcome our soldiers home.”

Vicar of Halifax Hilary Barber said: “This will be an excellent opportunity to show how grateful we all are for the courage and selflessness of the soldiers, and to pay respect to the fallen troops who have given their lives for our country’s freedom.”