Torrential rain and howling gales didn’t deter hardy members of the public from turning out to show their support for Reserve soldiers from the Duke Of Lancaster’s Regiment in Kendal today.
The 4th Battalion and Band of the Duke of The Duke Of Lancaster’s Regiment were grateful to those who braved the truly awful weather to cheer them as they paraded through the picturesque Cumbrian Town.
Stepping off from the County Hall, they processed to Kendal Parish Church for a service and some welcome respite from the elements before continuing to Kendal Library for an inspection.
Among their number was Kingsman Ryan Evans, 19, from Millom, near Barrow-in-Furness. Supported by his mum and sisters he said it was a very proud moment for him and the whole battalion. “It’s an honour of being part of the regimental history and taking part in a historic event like this.”
Having joined the Army Reserve around a year ago the former Millom School/Barrow 6th Form pupil is set to combine studying politics at York University with his military career, one he would recommend wholeheartedly to others. He said: “I’d definitely say give it a go. You get to do things you never would as a civilian and get to build your skills to make yourself a better person. For example I already attempted the
“Cambrian Patrol, a two-day exercise building on your military skills and seeing how far you can push yourself. Those sorts of opportunities, adventure training and the chance to deploy on operations make it a really exciting career.”
Brigadier Frazer Lawrence, Colonel of the Regiment said: “The Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment has long and close associations with Kendal, which we cherish and look forward to continuing. It is therefore a great honour and privilege for us to exercise our Freedom by marching through the town. It provides a wonderful opportunity to say thank you to the people of Kendal for the enduring support they show to our soldier, no matter where they are serving; be it here at home or overseas. Were very much looking forward to what will be a memorable day.”
The Mayor of Kendal, Cllr Guy Tirvengadum said: “On Remembrance Sunday we commemorated the 100th anniversary of the end of the First World War as well as remembering all the soldiers and people who sacrificed their lives so that we could have a better future. This is a great opportunity to give the Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment a very warm welcome to Kendal and thank them for their services which will never be forgotten.”
Kendal Parish Church is home to the Border Regiment chapel and houses the colours of the 55th (Westmorland) Regiment. Rev Rob Saner-Haigh said: “We very much look forward to welcoming the Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment to Kendal Parish Church for this service as part of the Freedom Parade in Kendal. As the home of the Border Regiment Chapel, one of the forerunners of the current regiment, it is a chance for us to welcome them home and to pray for them.”
On 25 October 1947 The Border Regiment was granted the Freedom of Kendal. That Regiment amalgamated with the King’s Own Royal Regiment (Lancaster) to form the King’s Own Royal Border Regiment in 1959 and later merged with The King’s Regiment and The Queen’s Lancashire Regiment to form The Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment in 2006.
