Show support for Poachers, public urged
The people of Lincolnshire have been urged to turn out in force for the return from Iraq of the county's most famous soldiers.
About 250 servicemen from the 2nd Battalion The Royal Anglian Regiment – known as the Poachers – will parade through Lincoln next month.
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Poachers on parade.
And the man who led them on two tours of Iraq has challenged Lincolnshire residents to turn out in force for the returning soldiers – many of whom are from the Lincoln area.
Lieutenant Colonel Simon Browne said that thousands had turned up the last time the battalion marched through the city – and this time he was hoping for even more.
"We really want to get the message across and get them in the spotlight," he said.
"We are the Poachers and we just had to parade through Lincoln.
"We always get a fantastic reception wherever we go.
"In Norwich recently there were 4,000 people.
"The whole route was lined and it was a rapturous reception.
"I would challenge the people of Lincoln to better that."
The Poachers are currently based in Celle in Germany, but their number is largely made up of soldiers from Lincolnshire.
The parade will start at 12.15pm on Thursday, March 12 and will run from City Square in Lincoln through to Hungate.
For more on the parade, see Wednesday's Echo.
12 Comments
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by g garnham, United Kingdom
Tuesday, March 10 2009, 8:14AM
“Turn out and salute our soldiers”
by Stephen, The Keep
Thursday, February 26 2009, 9:09AM
“Well done the 2nd Battallion the Poachers. Please, everyone, cheer these brave personnel home. Whether you disagree with the government, Brown, Blair or whoever, this does not detract that these brave service personnel deserve our support.”
by Linda, Lincoln
Wednesday, February 25 2009, 11:01PM
“I'll be there with my family, My partner served in Ireland and had it easy compared to what these brave men and women have had. I know some people will say its only a job and that they get paid for it but would you be willing to do a job where you could be hurt or worse. Well done and welcome home.”
by Diane, Welton
Wednesday, February 25 2009, 8:00PM
“The soldiers from the Royal Anglians along with other service personel deserve the support of all the public,these men have returned from a very dangerous situation when others sadly have not.I feel it is only right and proper that the people of Lincolnshire also stand up and be counted.The politics of the situation is not relevant at this time,its being there in support.I and my family will be there,I really hope there will be a good show of support for them and their families.”
by Peter, Germany/Lincoln
Wednesday, February 25 2009, 5:02PM
“Well said Robert , M C Donald i,m sure Brown n Co all know we didnt condone this war so turn up albeit with a Union Jack .I cannot be there if i could iwould proudly do so .”
by MJA, ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
Wednesday, February 25 2009, 4:37PM
“I`ll be there Ann, as will be my children and Grandchildren..They have a sense of history, and dare I say duty. A word you don`t hear too much these days. My Father, Grandfather, and 4 Great Uncles all served in the Lincolns, along with my Great Grandfather, so the kids are very proud of their history, and will show it.........”
by M C Donald, Lincoln
Wednesday, February 25 2009, 2:45PM
“Unfortunately cheering for the troops will be perceived by the Government as support for their illegal war.
You won¿t see me on the streets.”
by Ann Brown, Lincoln
Wednesday, February 25 2009, 10:26AM
“How I remember the Lincolnshire Regiment stationed at the barracks on Burton Road. As a child I watched these many a time and always loved when they got towards the barracks they played The Lincolnshire Poacher. Hope we hear that In Lincoln on that day. It would be good to see the route lined with people like we turned out years ago. Come on people of Lincoln lets see you there on that day.”
by lilly, here
Wednesday, February 25 2009, 10:20AM
“I can't, to my great disappointment be there for the parade: but I would like to add my support to the Poachers: I'm just glad that they are coming back, safe, to their families.”
by Robert, lincoln
Wednesday, February 25 2009, 9:44AM
“I call upon the Major of Lincoln to get behind this parade and welcome the soldiers back.
Regardless of ANY political motives, these men and women have done their service and are returning home, we should show our respect and gratitude to them all and would personally like to see the route closed down for them to parade and for the people of Lincoln to see these people for who they are SOLDIERS.
These are people who have loved ones waiting for them to return, so let us forget our own selfish selves just for a moment and recognise that these people have gone to a land far away for less than what a traffic warden gets in pay.
Support our troops on that day.”