Moreton soldier takes place in historic march to Parliament to mark end of tour in Iraq

Jul 30 2008 by Sue McCann, Birkenhead News

FOR the soldiers of 4th Mechanised Brigade it was a once in a lifetime experience and for Members of Parliament it was a chance to say thanks.

Making history was a soldier from Moreton - Corporal Andrew Hawkins who was one of 120 soldiers invited to march to the Houses of Parliament to mark the end of their tour in Iraq.

It’s been centuries since soldiers marched to Parliament - only then it was not by invitation!

Andrew, who has served in the Army for 12 years, said: “I feel very proud to have been part of this special occasion. It’s great to know that people appreciate what we have been doing. As a section commander in Armageddon platoon, it was a busy and difficult tour. It was my second tour in Iraq. We know we have job to do and we have the training to do it successfully.”

Brigade commander, Brigadier Julian Free, said: “It was a very special day for 4th Mechanised Brigade, to be invited to march to Parliament by the Members and to be cheered on the streets.”