Rifles soldiers welcomed home in Croydon

Thu Oct 29 2009 20:58:44

Hundreds of people lined the streets of Croydon in south London earlier, to welcome home the 2nd Battalion The Rifles.

The Battalion, which lost 13 men in Afghanistan this summer, is normally based in Ballykinler, Northern Ireland, but they were invited to parade through Croydon by its Mayor after the loss of their colleague Rifleman Danny Simpson, who came from the town.

While in Sangin, the 600-strong Battalion endured fierce fighting, including what was described as "one hour of tragedy" on July 10, when five riflemen were killed in two blasts while on foot patrol.

Lieutenant Alex Horsfal, 26, of Chitton, Wiltshire, lost his left leg above the knee as a result of his injuries suffered that day.

Speaking ahead of the parade, Lt Horsfal said: "I've got to say that the general public have been awesome. The change there has been in the last few years, the understanding and the sympathy felt towards the Army, and especially those who have been wounded, is phenomenal."

As well as the 13 deaths, 14 soldiers in the Battalion suffered "life-changing injuries" to their limbs or eyes.

They have now been granted the freedom of the streets of the borough, by Mayor Margaret Mead.

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