FOLLOWING 23 years of distinguished service in Germany, soldiers from 6 Regiment Royal Logistic Corps have formed up on parade for the final time before a move to North Yorkshire.

Although still engaged in operational commitments throughout the world, 6 Regt RLC were determined to mark the occasion, at their barracks in Gutersloh, of their end of service in Germany in style.

Around 300 soldiers marched onto the parade square in front of their families and dignitaries from both the military and the local communities on Friday, June 17.

Commanding Officer Lieutenant Colonel Tim Crossland said: “I am incredibly proud to be the Commanding Officer of 6 Regiment and to lead them off the parade square for the final time in front of all our families.

"It was a very proud moment but also a poignant and sad one that our time in Germany is coming to an end – we have enjoyed our time here.

"However, the move to Dishforth represents a new challenge for us, a new start and we are looking forward to settling into and developing the close community ties that we have enjoyed here with our German neighbours.”

Lieutenant Graham Howard added: "We have been practicing this parade for some time as we wanted to get it right. It has been a proud day for all of us.

"After the parade we will enjoy a family party."

After formal parade inspections the Regiment was presented with the prestigious Fahnenband – a ribbon of honour given in recognition of distinguished service to peace and freedom Germany – which was fixed to the Regimental flag.

The Fahnenband is the highest honour that can be made to an allied unit and was presented to by Brigadegeneral Peter Gorgels of behalf of the German government. The Fahnenband and the accompanying citation will pride of place in the new accommodation in Dishforth.

On completing parade formalities, the soldiers on parade stood to attention and took the salute from Major General Angus Fay, Assistant Chief of the Defence Staff for Logistic Operations.