Today on the 29th of January, the UK's armed forces were marching up the high-street in Winchester. I met a lady in the crowd as I was drinking my coffee from Cafe Nero opposite the Buttercross who said to me:"I just nipped down from Basingstoke to buy some curtains, wasn't quite expecting this!"
There is regular news coverage in the Chronicle, Echo and on South Today, describing who has been killed in action in Afghanistan and Iraq, but it's rare to see any real connection in Winchester, despite it being the home town for several regiments currently surviving in war-torn parts of the world.
Following the march past the high-street, the troops were dismissed or 'stood down' by the Great Hall and could be seen enjoying a welcome pint, glass of wine and a cigarette in the entrance to this historic building. Given Winchester's history and connection with the armed forces, it would be good to see more public evidence of our connection to the current conflicts.
It's all too easy for the technology enabled generation to ignore that the UK is taking a active part in several major international conflicts. London isn't being bombed from above, there is no blitz-kreig in the home counties, no conscription or national service these days!! The only hint I've seen of military connections recently are the young lads opening a few tins and exchanging banter about their activities following the completion of basic training at St John Moore barracks, heading home from Winchester station to all parts of the country.
Good to see so much support today and perhaps a welcome reality check of life outside of the cosy streets and cafes of Winchester.
Where ? Winchester High Street, Hants, UK.
When ? 29th January 2008.
Who was there ?:
- The Kings Royal Hussars
- 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards
- 1st Battalion Irish Guards
- 4 General Support (Medical) Regiment
- RAF Odiham
- HMS Richmond
- The Rifles
For more information, see: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/hampshire/7214686.stm
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