Royal Welsh is given the Freedom of Conwy County

Sep 16 2010 by Eva Ketley, North Wales Weekly News

SOLDIERS of the Royal Welsh who have just returned from duty in Afghanistan will march proudly through Llandudno on Saturday.

The regiment has been given the Freedom of the County Borough of Conwy, which is the highest accolade Conwy County Council can give in recognition of its distinguished service.

Council chairman Cllr Brenda Taylor said: “It gives me great pleasure to grant the freedom of the county borough to the Royal Welsh.

“To recognise the role the Royal Welsh and its predecessors have played in representing the British armed forces and also to consolidate the freedoms that already exist for part of the borough.”

Commanding Officer 1st Battalion The Royal Welsh (Royal Welch Fusiliers) Lieutenant Colonel Nick Lock said: “1 Royal Welsh is delighted and honoured to be marching through Llandudno.

“The support from the public has been fantastic following our recent tour of Afghanistan and that means so much to the regiment.

“We now look forward to furthering our ties with Conwy and to exercising our freedom with a parade this weekend.”

During its recent tour of duty in Afghanistan the Royal Welsh distinguished itself during Operation Moshtarak by capturing the biggest cache of improvised explosive devices ever uncovered by UK troops, and made another major find of the devices a few weeks later.

The regiment also formed effective working partnerships with Afghan forces to ensure freedom of movement for civilians.

Saturday’s parade will start at 12pm from Mostyn Broadway coach park and go along Mostyn Street, then turn right into Gloddaeth Street towards the promenade.

It will stop at the cenotaph on the prom for inspection by civic dignitaries at about 12.15pm, and the Colonel of the Regiment, Major General Roddy Porter, will be presented with the freedom scroll by Cllr Taylor.