Elgin homecoming parade for returning RAF servicemen

Elgin is to host an official homecoming parade for RAF Lossiemouth based personnel returning from a tour of duty in Afghanistan.

Around 100 servicemen and women from 51 Squadron RAF Regiment and 2622(Highland) Squadron the Royal Auxiliary Air Force Regiment, both forming part of 5 Force Protection Wing, will take part in the parade.

The force has been on duty guarding Kandahar Airfield, the largest NATO base in Afghanistan.

It was confirmed earlier this week at UK Forces in Helmand had formally handed over command of their base to US forces, part of the withdrawal of the UK Military from Afghanistan, UK service personnel will continue to serve on a support basis in the region.

Looking ahead to the homecoming parade in Elgin, to be held on Friday, May 9, an RAF spokesman said: “The parade route will be along Elgin High Street before a medals ceremony will take place in front of St Giles’ Church.

“This is a public event and an opportunity for the community to welcome them home.”

The parade mirrors that held in 2012 when 5 Force Protection Wing returned after seeing active service in Afghanistan.

A Military Cross was awarded to Sergeant Roy Geddes and Corporal Kurt Lee was mentioned in dispatches for the parts they played in fighting off a major attack on Camp Bastion earlier that year.

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