The men of Arbroath”s 45 Commando received a memento from the people of Angus, which looks back on a proud day in the illustrious history of the unit.
It took the form of a framed photograph of the homecoming parade last May which followed their six-month tour of duty in Afghanistan.
The “special and generous” gift from Provost Ruth Leslie Melville on behalf of the people of the county has been promised a special place at RM Condor by commanding officer Lieutenant Colonel Oliver Lee.
As well as reflecting on the Afghanistan deployment and the special relationship between the unit and Angus, Lt Col Lee told the provost he expects a return to the dangerous provinces is on the horizon for his men.
No decision has been made by the Ministry of Defence on the what lies ahead for 45 Commando, but the CO considers it likely that the next 12 to 18 months could see them head once again into the territories which tested their skills to the limit and brought a heavy cost for the unit.
The CO and Regimental Sergeant Major Steven Shepherd said they were delighted to accept the provost’s invitation to receive the photograph of the Freedom of Angus parade snaking up Arbroath High Street through a crowd of thousands who travelled from across the area to honour the returning troops.
The event followed their involvement as part of Battle Group North in Helmand province, which saw 12 people killed in action, nine of them men from RM Condor.
Mrs Leslie Melville asked Lt Col Lee about the progress of troops wounded in Afghanistan and was told of the ongoing efforts to support their rehabilitation, and the determination of marines to overcome serious injuries and the accompanying mental scars.
“We will continue to look after the wounded and the families of those who have died, and various things are in place to do that,” Lt Col Lee told her.
“A year after returning, in so far as we can, we will reach summer leave with something of a line drawn under that particular tour of Afghanistan.
“This presentation is the classic picture that paints a thousand words, and if it is synonymous with 45 Commando’s place in Angus and Angus’ regard for the commando then it is pretty perfect.
He added, “We will wait to hear what lies ahead, but I would anticipate we are likely to go to Afghanistan again over the next 12-18 months.”
Mrs Leslie Melville said the homecoming parade had been a great opportunity for Angus to honour the unit and the photograph was a reminder of that gratitude.
“We are totally indebted to all of you for what you have done and are doing on our behalf,” she said.
“A picture is such a small thing, but I thought it captured perfectly what we in Angus think about 45 Commando.”