Exeter's royal salute to Afghanistan troops
The parade took place in front of His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh — Captain General of the Royal Marines.
Friends, families and well-wishers cheered and waved Union Flags as the city turned out to show its support for units which recently returned from Operation Herrick 9 in Afghanistan.
More than a dozen units took part in the event, including Royal Marines and the 1st Batallion The Rifles.
The march was followed by a service at the cathedral, which was attended by the Secretary of State for Defence, the Rt Hon Bob Ainsworth and the Lord Mayor of Exeter, John Winterbottom.
The service was shown on a large screen, displayed on Cathedral Green.
A roll of honour of the names of the 37 troops who lost their lives during the operation was read out before candles were lit and placed at the altar.
The commander of Task Force Helmand, Brigadier Gordon Messenger, praised the teamwork and bond between comrades.
Before the service, he said: "It was a hugely challenging tour for everyone, often in dangerous and austere circumstances under pressure to make the right judgements.
"The biggest progress was made in developing the capabilities of the Afghans to govern themselves and provide their own security.
"Individually and collectively, today is hugely important. It signifies a coming together of all companies in the Helmand deployment, and the families whose support is vital, as well as the British public.
"There is so much support among the public for those who are risking their lives in foreign countries."
Brig Messenger also paid tribute to Lieutenant Colonel Rupert Thorneloe, commanding officer of the 1st Battalion Welsh Guards, who was killed near Lashkar Gah in Helmand province, southern Afghanistan, on Wednesday, the most senior British Army officer to be killed in action since the Falklands War, and 18-year-old Trooper Joshua Hammond, of 2nd Royal Tank Regiment, who died in the same incident.
He said: "The death of Lieutenant Colonel Rupert Thorneloe, in the same way as Trooper Joshua Hammond and any member of the forces, is a tragedy and a telling reminder that while we are celebrating our return and remembering our fallen, there is still a great deal of men and women going out facing the challenges that we did."
Royal Marine Duncan Potts, from Crediton, took part in the march. The 21-year-old said: "Today is a proud day. It is good to get public recognition and know that most people are supporting us.
"I will be remembering people that we lost in action."
Sergeant Christopher James Kirkham, of the 1st Battalion The Rifles, heralded the city's support. The 36-year-old, who lives in Clyst Heath, Exeter, said: "We are here today to recognise the good work of 3 Commando brigade and salute the job that we did.
"We will also recognise all the soldiers who didn't come back and show our respect for them and their families.
"It is heart-warming to see people lining the streets to support us."
Corporal Luke Tembleton, 19, of the 29 Commando Royal Artillery, who lives in Torquay, said: "It is great to show people what we do and where we've been.
"The experience was an eye-opener for me. It was a lot for someone my age to experience, sometimes it was scary.
"So days like this, where we are recognised, make it more worthwhile."
Gill Clare, from Willand, 50, travelled to the city to support the troops. Both her children, Adam, 25, and Lauren, 23, are in the RAF. She said: "I came to support all the men and women in service. They are heroes. I have every admiration for them"
Another supporter was Jim Partridge-Hogbin, 62, of Seaton. He was a member of the Army for 22 years and fought in the first Gulf War and the Falklands War. He said: "I want to honour these servicemen and women who have come from Afghanistan. They risked their lives for our freedom and we should show them respect."
Caroline Walker, 65, from Dawlish, came with a banner which read God Bless You All. She said: "My son in-law is in the navy and I try to write to him every week.
"We should all say a huge thank you to them for putting their lives on the line.
"I am also praying for the ones that didn't come back and their families."
Servicemen and women parade through Exeter City centre in front of His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh and thousands of well-wishers APEX
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