Soldiers march through Croydon on homecoming tour
The freedom of Croydon has been granted to the brave army regiment that fallen Shirley soldier Danny Simpson fought with.
It is the first time in the borough's 126-year existence, that a regular army regiment has been given the honour.
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HEROES: Soldiers marched through Croydon yesterday
Mayor of Croydon Margaret Mead made the surprise announcement yesterday (Thursday) morning ahead of a huge parade involving the 2nd Battalion The Rifles, who were returning from a six-month tour of duty in Afghanistan.
More than 100 soldiers marched through the streets of Croydon, from the Mitcham Road barracks to Fairfield Halls, where a reception was held for soldiers and their families.
They were cheered through the streets by a crowd of hundreds.
The soldiers were accompanied by the family of 20-year-old Danny, who was killed fighting the Taliban, in Afghanistan, in July.
Danny, of 2nd Battalion The Rifles, was killed by a makeshift bomb as he was helping one of his injured comrades to safety.
For more on this story see this week's Advertiser out today (Friday).
13 Comments
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by LR, Croydon
Sunday, November 01 2009, 5:22PM
“I was in Croydon to watch this Parade and was proud to see them come home. They also deserve the Freedom of Croydon.
Despite everything that has happened to them, they deserved the welcome home and it was good to see so many people turn out, including the British Legion outside the Town Hall.
Well done Croydon and well done to the Boys including those that came home in Wheelchairs.”
by Mark, East Coast of Africa Hunting Pirates
Sunday, November 01 2009, 3:31PM
“Well Done boys, and well done Croydon for giving them a hero's welcome, lets try and make this a regular thing, might drum up more support for our beleagured forces.”
by elaine howard, romford. essex
Saturday, October 31 2009, 1:27PM
“i was so proud of my son RFN Paul Richards who was marching ,but i was even more relived he came back safe,roll on the medal prade on the 5th November,another one, it will go with his Iraq medal WELL DONE TO YOU ALL YOU MAKE US PROUD”
by Mike, Croydon
Saturday, October 31 2009, 3:41AM
“Was there and thought it was an amazing march, all my respect to the British Army, especially the 2nd Battalion The Rifles. Was incredible to see people from different class, age, skin colour and religion pay there respects.
RFN Daniel Simpson 'Danny Simo' was my cousin, and I know he would've been proud of what happened yesterday.
RIP Simo.”
by Anna, Croydon
Saturday, October 31 2009, 1:22AM
“And to think that Tiger Tiger the club in croydon refused our men and women of war a drink, just because they werent in suitable clothes. DISGUSTING.”