Video: Servicemen get a heroes’ welcome in Sheffield

And today, for the first time in decades, troops from the 1st Regiment Royal Horse Artillery were given the heroes’ welcome they so richly deserved as they exercised their right to freedom of the city.

Hundreds of servicemen and women were applauded by large crowds of people – some of who were moved to tears or waved flags in support – as they marched through the city centre in their homecoming.

A band and marching horses pulling two artillery guns from the ceremonial King’s Troop also paraded for the first time since 1974 to marked the end of a decade of the regiment’s service in Iraq, Afghanistan and Cyprus.

In all, more than 250 personnel exercised their freedom of the city yesterday, after the firing of a light field gun on Devonshire Green launched a parade down Division Street to Barker’s Pool.

There, Coun Vickie Priestley, Lord Mayor of Sheffield, and David Moody, the Lord Lieutenant of South Yorkshire, reviewed troops and presented medals.

The gathered audience was told about the “brutal” experience soldiers endured in tours, like their most recent six months in Afghanistan, and how coming home was a way to renew connections with their friends and family.

Coun Priestley said: “As Lord Mayor, I speak for the citizens of Sheffield and I say how proud and happy we are to recognise the eminent service rendered by you to the nation.

“I thank everyone of you, and your families, for the sacrifices you make for the Army and your nation.”

The regiment returned from Afghanistan in October and will now spend time on adventure training around the world.

Their parade also had a First World War theme, as a sub-unit of the regiment fired the first rounds in the conflict and one of the Batteries won three Victoria Crosses.

The soldiers themselves spoke of their pride at parading through their home city to mark the end of a gruelling tour.

Bombardier Matt Foster was hoping to see his children Josh, eight, and two-year-old Maisie at the end of the emotional event.

The 28-year-old, originally from Manor Top in Sheffield, but now living in Penistone, said: “It was one of those things when you get the hairs on the back of your neck standing up.

“I have done two tours now, it’s difficult in parts and you do get your down days, but all the lads come together and help you out.

“We are helping the locals out there. When something goes wrong they come to us.”

Gunner Glenn Tasker – whose distant grandfather John Tasker was the Mayor of Sheffield in 1875 – was surrounded by beaming relatives outside Sheffield Town Hall.

The 19-year-old followed in the footsteps of his father and grandfather by joining the military when he left school, starting in the 29 Commando Regiment.

He said: “I’m proud of the regiment and I feel good to have taken part.

“I haven’t done a tour of Afghanistan, but that is why I joined the Army so I hope to do that at some point.”

His mum Christine Tasker, of Waterthorpe, said: “I was so excited, especially as I haven’t seen him since Christmas. We are all very proud.

“It wouldn’t have been my choice for him to go into the military – I hoped he would break the mould – but we are very supportive.”

The soldiers also posed for a regiment photograph on the stairwell inside Sheffield Town Hall.

Bombardier James Gordon, of Killamarsh, said: “Today was a proud moment.

“We have very strong links with Sheffield and I have done a few parades here after operations.

“It is great to come back and see family and friends as well as everybody who supports us.

“When you’re out there you have got to concentrate on getting the job done. We are like a family and pull each other through.”

Commanding officer Lt Col Mike Elviss, of the 1st Regiment Royal Horse Artillery, said: “We had a wonderful response from the people of Sheffield.

“For the soldiers to go away, come back and get recognition in their home town is an honour. They are on the edge in a different way from when they are on the edge in Afghanistan.”

The regiment itself has a proud history with roots dating back more than 145 years, having served in African Desert Campaign and Northern Ireland.

The regiment will parade in Doncaster on Friday.