Injured soldier praises public's support for troops

Friday, October 30th, 2009

A brave amputee hailed the public’s support of the Army as “phenomenal” as he watched his fellow soldiers take part in a homecoming parade in Croydon.

Hundreds of people lined the streets to welcome home the 2nd Battalion The Rifles, which lost 13 men in Afghanistan this summer.

The 100 members of 2 Rifles, based in Ballykinler, Northern Ireland, were invited to parade through the centre of the town by its mayor after the loss of their colleague Rifleman Danny Simpson, who came from the town.

Based in Sangin, the 600-strong battalion endured fierce fighting during their tour of duty, including what was described as “one hour of tragedy” on July 10 – the day five riflemen were killed in two connected blasts while on foot patrol.

Lieutenant Alex Horsfal, 26, of Chitton, Wiltshire, Platoon Commander C company, lost his left leg above the knee as a result of his injuries suffered that day and suffered damage to his left arm.

Friends from the battalion who had not seen him since that day surrounded his wheelchair as they prepared to march from the Territorial Army Centre.

Speaking ahead of the parade, Lt Horsfal said: “I’ve got to say that the general public have been awesome.

“The change there has been in the last few years, the understanding and the sympathy felt towards the Army, and especially those who have been wounded, is phenomenal.”

Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Colonel Rob Thomson, said it had been “the campaign of their lives” and added: “I’m hugely proud of the extraordinary courage that’s been shown.

“It is with great honour, huge pride, and not some inconsiderable humility that we march through the streets of Croydon to show what we have achieved and to thank those people in every corner of our nation who have stood by us.”

(Thanks to Steve McNeice for sending this article)