Vigilance can authoritatively report that Secretary of State for Defence Rt Hon Dr Liam Fox and Chief of Joint Operations Air Marshal Sir Stuart Peach, on Tuesday visited British troops from the 2nd Battalion the Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment, also known as the ‘Lions of England’ based in Cyprus.
Dr Fox who attended their Trooping of the Colour as Inspecting Officer presented members of the Battalion with campaign medals following a gruelling six month tour in Afghanistan.
In his address to the Battalion and their families and friends Dr Fox said:
“It is an enormous privilege to take the parade before the Officers, soldiers and families of 2nd Battalion the Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment.”
Adding:“As Lions of England you have served with distinction in Iraq, Cyprus and most recently in Afghanistan. I would like to pay tribute to you all and I would also like to thank the families for their support through the tough times, the sacrifice and the good times; the Battalion rightly takes immense pride in its Regimental family and its great to see so many of you here today.”
The dead were not forgotten during Fox’s visit. Secretary Fox said: “I would also like us all to remember those in the Battalion that made the ultimate sacrifice for the security of their country and its people. They will not be forgotten.”
The interactive session provided Fox the opportunity to meet and greet a number of the soldiers and their families and enjoy what was a special day for all members of the Battalion.
The Colonel of the Regiment, Brigadier Mike Griffiths CBE enthused: “This is the first time a Duke of Lancaster’s Battalion has been able to Troop their Colours and I am particularly pleased that the 2nd Battalion have chosen to take on the challenge in such short order after the conclusion of arguably the longest Battalion operational tour in contemporary history. It is very fitting that the Secretary of State has chosen to honour the Battalion today by taking the parade. The Battalion was the first unit deployed on operations by the new Government and found themselves in the thick of some of the hardest fighting of last summer. They acquitted themselves with honour and courage and are rightly proud of their considerable achievements. Today they also remember six of their comrades who did not make it home.
Commanding Officer Lt Col Robbie Boyd recounted: “Conducting such a parade this close to finishing our lengthy operational tour as the Theatre Reserve Battalion from Cyprus has been challenging, but fun. If has been a wonderful opportunity to share the pride we have in our achievements over the past 18 months with our friends and families here in Cyprus and it has given everyone a day to remember.”
Adding: “The discipline, teamwork and high morale needed for such a parade are the same qualities North West officers and soldiers demonstrated time and again in the face of the enemy in Helmand and yet again my Lions have delivered! We now prepare to move home to Weeton in August where we look forward to several freedom and home coming parades throughout the North West. The 2nd Battalion has been brilliantly supported by the people of North West England, both in Cyprus and when deployed in Afghanistan. We are looking forward to returning. We are coming home.”