Carrying weapons 'bayonets fixed', over 200 officers and soldiers of the Royal Monmouthshire Royal Engineers (Militia) celebrated their return from Afghanistan where they were deployed as part of 21 Engineer Regiment in Helmand Province, involved mostly in construction work in support of the British Army's operations.

Spontaneous applause broke out from the spectators as the regiment, led by the Nottinghamshire Band of the Royal Engineers, exercised their right to march through Monmouth after being awarded the freedom of the town in 1953. The column included RHQ Troop from Monmouth; 100 Field Squadron, Cwmbran, Bristol and Cardiff ; the 108 Welsh Field Squadron, Swansea; 225 Field Squadron from Birmingham; Jersey Field Squadron and members of the Monmouth Royal Engineers Association.

The Mayor took the salute in Agincourt Square and the parade headed to St Mary's Church where a service of thanksgiving was held for the OP Herrick 12 homecoming.

Following the service, campaign medals were presented by HRH The Duke of Gloucester in recognition of their contribution to the work in Afghanistan.

He said that the Territorial Army played a huge contribution towards the operations of the British Army, "you play a significant role in support of soldiers on the front line, with a sense of pride, you should wear your campaign medal."