Hundreds of people turned out in Exeter city centre today to applaud around 50 army medics who had recently returned from Afghanistan.
After receiving their operational medals, the members of 243 Field Hospital Unit were officially welcomed home by exercising their Freedom of Exeter by parading through the heart of the city.
While young and old showed their appreciation by clapping them every step of the way through the High Street, the unit took the salute outside the Guildhall in Exeter before a short Remembrance ceremony on the Cathedral Green.
The unit's three month mission in Afghanistan was to run the British Role 3 medical facility at Camp Bastion. Their they worked tirelessly to save lives and treat injuries sustained by British and other ISAF troops as well as Afghan National Security Forces personnel and local civilians.
Among those taking part in the march was Naomi Turner, of Exmouth, whose role in Afghanistan was to look after the medical records. She was swamped by proud family members, including her father Eddie Cars, who had travelled over from America especially for the occasion.
She said: "I was very nervous talking part in the march but very proud as well. There were lots of things going through my head. I was looking back on the last seven months as well as trying to make sure I was keeping in step.
"I am amazed by the public reaction. They were all clapping and it was such a proud moment for us and what we achieved as a group."
Mr Cars, who lives north of Boston, said: "I have come from America for the parade and just felt I had to be here. My feeling when they were marching was just one of real pride. What they did and what they achieved has allowed us to have parades like this. I am just so, so proud of my daughter."
Also on the march was Major Rose Chapman, 46, who was a nursing officer and a team leader on the ward during the deployment. Her day job is as a bank nurse at Derriford Hospital in Plymouth. Her husband Gary and children Chloe, 15, and Lauren, 12, were among those cheering her on the march.
She said: "We would look after all the admissions. It was not just trauma injuries but illnesses as well. We would be looking after ISAF forces, civilians and Afghan children and detainnees.
"This is my second tour and this time around the hospital was much bigger and Camp Bastion was so much larger. It is huge.
"The work was mostly the same and there is still a sustained pattern of injuries ranging from amputees to all kinds of illnesses.
"The hospital is incredibly advanced. They say if you get to Camp Bastion with a heartbeat your chance of survival is so great. For each patient there could be two or three surgeons. They really do get the best care.
"There are always difficult moments but you work together as a team and help each other through the tough times.
"When days have not gone well it is the teamwork that comes through each time.
"This today, makes it feel all worthwhile and makes you believe that people appreciate what you do and it is great all our families can be here.
"It is a special day and really important as it make it all come to an end and provides a bit of closure for the tour.
"It is a beautiful day and so many people have turned out to see us walk through the city of Exeter."
The Lord Mayor of Exeter Rob Newby said: "As a former member of an emergency service, I am very conscious of the commitment that is necessary to undertake such a job in civilian circumstances, and give my utmost respect to anyone that wishes to give even more by also undertaking such difficult and trying roles as part of the Army through deployments via the TA.
"I was therefore very proud to take the salute on behalf of the residents of this most loyal City, when the troops (including some from Exeter itself) paraded through the city centre on Saturday to exercise their Freedom of the City on their homecoming from a deployment in Afghanistan.
"During this difficult time, they became an integral part of the British Army, by providing emergency medical services not just to the allied troops but also to the local Afghan people. I truly respect each of every one of them."
Commanding officer of the unit Paul Walbridge said: "It is very important the people who deploy to Afghanistan who work and live in the south west to have the opportunity to march through the city of Exeter. They got such a warm welcome for what they have achieved and this is great for morale. I am very proud of the reception they have been given.
"It was a busy, challenging but professionally very rewarding. A lot of the unit got quite emotional today."
