Thousands line streets of Exeter for 3 Commando Brigade welcome home Parade and Thanksgiving Service

The parade marked the homecoming of 3 Commando Brigade from Operation Herrick 14 and was followed by a service of remembrance and thanksgiving at Exeter Cathedral.

Wednesday’s parade included members of Plymouth’s 42 Commando Royal Marines, 30 Commando Royal Marines and 29 Commando Regiment Royal Artillery; Chivenor’s 24 Commando Engineer Regiment and Commando Logistics Regiment, Gloucestershire’s 1st Battalion The Rifles (1RIFLES) as well as elements of 7 Armoured Brigade, 101 Logistics Brigade and 45 Commando Royal Marines.

Many of those taking part are either based in the West Country or were born there, and the local population turned out in force to show their gratitude; surrounding Exeter Cathedral as more than 1,000 service personnel and their friends and family gathered inside for the poignant service.

Over six months more than 6,500 servicemen and women from all branches of the armed services deployed on the 3 Commando Brigade led Herrick mission.

50% came from units which are part of 3 Commando Brigade itself. They have been steadily returning home over the past six weeks.

In Afghanistan 3 Commando Brigade served under the name ‘Task Force Helmand’.

Its mission was to bring stability and security to Helmand Province by building on the work of previous brigades in protecting local people.

Another key part of this mission was to keep the campaign of transition on track so that the Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF) will be ready to take responsibility for security in Afghanistan from 2014.

This involved training and advising the ANSF in key skills and trades such as: route clearance to remove and destroy lethal IED’s; developing the Afghan National Army’s ability to build roads, bridges and patrol bases and life-saving medical training.

A significant milestone on this road to handover in 2014 was achieved when responsibility for security in the regional capital Lashkar Gah was handed over to the ANSF.

At the end of their tour, 3 Commando Brigade leaves behind a protected community of 450,000 inhabitants.

Brigadier Ed Davis, Royal Marines Commander for Task Force Helmand on Herrick, said:

"On the day that we remember and give thanks for the achievement and sacrifice of 6,555 brave and selfless men and women of Task Force Helmand during their recent six-month tour of duty in Afghanistan, I am humbled by the unwavering contribution made by every Marine, Soldier, Sailor and Airman that deployed on Operation Herrick 14 to keep their country safe.

“Irrespective of rank, capbadge or nation, each person played their part in full and achieved something very special: hope for a safer world and confidence in a brighter future for the people of Helmand.

“We owe them all our endless gratitude and respect. The names of those who gave their lives, and the wounded, will be indelibly marked on our souls forever.

“Their sacrifice will not be forgotten and will forever be an inspiration to us all. Simply, their humanity, unyielding soldiering and insatiable desire to make a difference, made the difference.

“I salute each and every one of them. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank our families and friends back home, particularly in the South West, for their rock-solid support without which our task in Helmand would have been impossible.”

The achievements of the 3 Commando Brigade mission have sadly come at a price.

23 servicemen were killed during the Op Herrick 14 mission. Many more have suffered life changing injuries.

During the Thanksgiving service a roll of honour of all of those servicemen and women killed in action was read out.

For every name of the fallen, a candle was carried through the congregation by their brothers-in-arms and placed on the High Alter.

As the service finished and servicemen and women left the Cathedral, local people erupted into spontaneous applause.

"As first citizen of this ever faithful and loyal City, it is with a great deal of pride and honour that Exeter again played host to 3 Commando Brigade on their return from their latest tour of duty in Afghanistan,"

said Councillor Stella Brock, The Right Worshipful Lord Mayor of Exeter.

"They show true professionalism and dedication, often in difficult and trying circumstances and situations, and for which some have unfortunately paid the ultimate sacrifice.

"Our thoughts are constantly with the families of our Servicemen during these difficult times and I’m glad that Exeter gave them a fitting welcome home as they marched through our streets.”

Key Herrick 14 achievements:

41,000 patrols were conducted. 
Across the whole area of operations 3 Commando Brigade experienced a 45 per cent reduction in  insurgent attacks against ISAF and Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF) in comparison to previous years. 
90 partnered operations with the Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF) were carried out. 
Seven-and-a-half tonnes of homemade explosive - enough to make 8 month’s worth of IEDs - were discovered. 
57km of road was constructed - taking the total in Helmand to 350km (equivalent to driving from Plymouth to London using the A303) - allowing greater security for people, freedom of movement for the ANSF, enabling trade links to develop and increased access to health care. 
8 new clinics were built in Helmand increasing the total number to 58; enabling 90% of the Helmand population to have access to primary health care. 
50% of the Afghan Police in Helmand achieved basic literacy levels. 
650 shuras - or meetings with elders and communities - were held, with 100 more informal shuras held at local level. 
40 schools were built in Helmand increasing the number to 133. 
10 bazaars opened, housing a total of 300 shops.