Gunners march through streets

Aug 1 2008 The Journal

AFGHAN veterans of the 4th Regiment Royal Artillery were cheered on by crowds in their home city yesterday.

The 150 North East Gunners and a 35-strong Royal Artillery Band were cheered through Sunderland city centre, as they marked their Freedom of the City.

Dressed in desert fatigues with fixed bayonets they paraded the regimental colours.The veterans served in Afghanistan between September 2007 and April this year.

The Regiment was given the Honorary Freedom of Sunderland in December 1973 because of its close bonds with Wearside. The last time it exercised its Freedom was 2000.

Mayor of Sunderland Mary Smith, who last month presented Afghanistan service medals to members of the regiment at their base in Germany, said: “The close bond between 4th Regiment and the people of Sunderland goes back many years and I know how proud everyone in this city is of the ‘Gunners’.” Commendations and Afghan Service medals were also presented a ceremony inside Sunderland Council Chamber.

Commanding Officer Lt Col Greg Cole said: “It was fantastic to get elements of the Regiment back on parade in Sunderland. We have been looking forward to exercising our Freedom of Sunderland for sometime.”