HUNDREDS of people flocked to the streets of Presteigne this week to see the 1st Battalion Welsh Guards parade through the town.
Mayors and County Councillors from across Powys were among the hundreds who saw the Welsh Guards given the Freedom of Powys by the Council’s Chairman Cllr Garry Banks.
The granting of the freedom allows the unit to be honoured, and entitles them to march through the streets of a town with bayonets fixed, drums beating and colours flying.
Crowds were jubilant as the 100-soldier-strong Battalion – which were part of a guard of honour at the Royal Wedding – marched down the streets of Presteigne before an inspection at the Judges Lodging’s by Garry Banks, and Welsh Guards Regimental Adjutant Colonel Tom Bonas. The Resolution of the County Council was read out in both Welsh and English before chairman Banks handed Col Bonas the Freedom Scroll.
The Rt Rev John Davies, Bishop of Swansea and Brecon, offered prayers before both the Welsh and English national anthems were sung by the crowds on the streets.
In summer 2009 the Welsh Guards took part in Operation Panther's Claw in Helmand in Afghanistan, where a number of men were killed and the regiment said they should never be forgotten.
Lieutenant Colonel Charlie Antelme, who took control of the Welsh Guards battlegroup in 2009 after storming an al-Qaeda base armed with just a pistol, and awarded the Distinguished Service Order for his leadership in Iraq said: “For the Welsh Guards this is an immense honour.
“There are many guards from this part of Wales and when we are struck by tragedies the people here are there to comfort us.
“To be given the Freedom of Powys is a great privilege.”
The Mayor of Presteigne, James Tenant-Eyles said: “It was a wonderful event for the town, and the country as a whole. It gives us a great sense of pride to see this regiment. We are grateful that Presteigne was chosen to host the event in the town.”