Duke's farewell to regiment

The Duke of York, who is Colonel-in-Chief of the 300-year-old regiment, saluted soldiers from outside the Guildhall as they passed him in heavy showers.

The regiment becomes the 3rd Battalion The Mercian Regiment in September in a merger with the Cheshire Regiment and the Worcestershire and Sherwood Foresters Regiment.

Around 250 soldiers started the freedom parade at the famous three-spired Cathedral yesterday afternoon before reaching Bore Street where hundreds of people turned out to applaud the regiment.

Before the parade, the battalion held a drumhead service at Whittington Barracks, which the Duke took part in.

Prince Andrew then met wounded soldiers and their families and presented medals and bravery citations to soldiers who have just returned from a tour of duty in Iraq.

For the salute, he was joined by James Hawley Lord Lieutenant of Staffordshire and the colonel of the regiment, Brigadier Jim Tanner OBE.

Following the march the Duke was joined by around 70 soldiers for a reception hosted by Lichfield City Council, including Mayor, Councillor Mike Fryers, who had earlier welcomed the prince to the city.

The parade was led by Colour Sergeant Malcolm Bower, who has 50 years service under his belt, and the regimental mascot, Watchman IV, a Staffordshire Bull Terrier.

Colour Sergeant Bower said it was a day of mixed emotions for the regiment.

"It is a sad occasion because there is years and years of history here and we formed 302 years ago," he said.

"But hopefully there will be further appearances of the mascot in some form or another, even if it is to be a replacement."

It followed one in Wolverhampton on Wednesday and Stoke-on-Trent on Tuesday.

Captain Ned Kelly said it was great for all the soldiers to march through Lichfield, despite the weather, especially after six months in Iraq.

"It was a very challenging tour and our main role was to train the Iraqi security forces in Basra," he said.

"We were supported by a large percentage of the population but there is still a large element of danger from numerous threats."

He added: "We do make a difference, especially with projects to help the local communities and also our operations against insurgents."