Welsh Guards prepare for homecoming parade in Carmarthen

The Prince of Wales’s Company from 1st Battalion Welsh Guards will parade through Carmarthen town centre on Wednesday 16th January after a demanding six months tour of Afghanistan.

Soldiers will start the march at midday, departing from the TA centre, marching towards The Guild Hall along Picton Terrace and Lammas Street. The Mayor of Carmarthen will take the salute and inspect the soldiers outside the Guild Hall. The parade will then continue around the town centre along Queen Street, Spilman Street and King Street, before moving back to the TA Centre where a reception will be held.

A number of dignitaries will attend the parade.

On its latest tour of duty in Afghanistan over 350 members of the Battalion conducted a wide range of roles in Helmand Province, focussing on the continued training, development and mentorship of the Afghan Police Force in particular. The Prince of Wales’s Company (who will be on parade) operated closely with Afghan Security Forces in Nahr-e-Saraj District to suppress insurgent efforts to derail security progress, and to build the capacity and confidence of the Afghans to take the lead themselves.

Three members of the 1st Battalion Welsh Guards were tragically killed during the tour, including Lance Corporal Lee Davies (27), who was born in Carmarthen and grew up in Cardigan.

Major Ed Launders (The Prince of Wales’s Company Commander) said….” The tour in Afghanistan was extremely tough, but made much easier through the abundant support of the people of Wales which carried us through. It is a tremendous honour and privilege to march through Carmarthen and to display our gratitude”.