300 Bomb Disposal Soldiers on Parade

Three hundred soldiers from the Explosive Ordnance Disposal and Search Task Force have marched through Saffron Walden to mark their return home from Afghanistan. Local people lined the streets to welcome them back. Before the parade, the Task Force held a private memorial service at Carver Barracks in Wimbish - home of 33 Engineer Regiment (EOD). During the six month tour three soldiers were killed in action: Sapper Connor Ray from 49 Squadron (EOD), 33 Engineer Regiment (EOD) and Corporal Andrew Roberts and Private Ratu Silibaravi, both of 23 Pioneer Regiment (RLC). This afternoon the soldiers will receive their Op Herrick Campaign medals in the grounds of Audley End House. The 400-strong EOD and Search Task Force comprises 23 units from the Army, Navy and Royal Airforce. The Task Force returned from Op Herrick 16 earlier this month. The Task Force is responsible for the training of the Afghan National Army's bomb disposal team in addition to their front line roll: searching for and destroying IEDS on the ground.