Former Mayor gives backing to Lib Dem motion calling for 9th/12th Lancers to be given "Freedom of the Borough" (Northampton Liberal Democrats)

Northampton Liberal Democrats <info@northamptonlibdems.org.uk>

Former Mayor gives backing to Lib Dem motion calling for 9th/12th Lancers to be given "Freedom of the Borough"

January 17, 2012 12:22 PM

Brian Markham ( Northampton's Mayor 2008 / 2009 ) is supporting a motion put forward by Liberal Democrat Group Leader at Northampton Borough Council, Cllr Sally Beardsworth, that Soldiers of The 9^th / 12^th Royal (Prince of Wales) Lancers be given Freedom of The Borough.

Mr Markham said "I am pleased to see that the council is to discuss giving this honour to The Lancers. One of the most enjoyable and heart-warming experiences during my year as Mayor was seeing the welcome given to the members of the regiment when they marched through the town in their homecoming parade after service in Iraq. People of the town really took the soldiers to their heart."

The 9^th/12^th lancers have for many years been based in Germany and therefore have no home town base in The UK. They do have, however, very strong links with Northampton and The County as they draw many of their recruits from the area.

In 2009 after return from active duty in Iraq part of the regiment held a homecoming parade through the streets of Northampton with the salute being taken by The Lord Lieutenant, followed by a reception at the Guildhall hosted by The Mayor. The people of the town really turned out to support the soldiers and took them to their hearts.

In 2011 , following return from duty, this time in Afghanistan, the Lancers asked if they could repeat the event. Once again the streets of the town centre were filled with people of all ages to welcome the soldiers "home" in particular a number of wives and parents living in the town were able to see their loved ones on parade and greet them afterwards on the Market Square. Some families came with them from quarters in Germany.

Northampton ceased to be a garrison town about 30years ago when Simpson Barracks closed and although there is a TA unit based at Clare Street (118 Coy REME) at present neither The Council nor the Town has an official relationship with any unit of The Regular Army or indeed any other branch of the Regular Forces. Creating such a link with one unit, which has direct links to Northampton as a County Town, will help recognise the contribution made by all those service people who have homes in or family links to our community.

In the year when The Play and Film "War Horse" are receiving huge publicity it is perhaps fitting that we should be honouring the Regiment that is said to have made the last cavalry charge of the British Army