The Duke of York today praised the highest standards of performance of hundreds of Catterick garrison soldiers who have recently returned from operations in Afghanistan.
Speaking as Colonel-in-Chief of The Yorkshire Regiment during a Medals Parade at Richmond Castle in North Yorkshire The Duke of York said the soldiers from the 2nd Battalion the Yorkshire Regiment (2 YORKS) had excelled through their commitment and professionalism.
The soldiers from 2 YORKS based at Somme Barracks in Catterick Garrison have taken part in two four-month operational tours on Operation Toral 5 – the first time they have deployed as a regiment to Afghanistan since 2012.
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Their last deployment was to Iraq in 2014.
His Royal Highness said: “The standard of your double rota of operations was exemplary and you have completed two very successful tours.
“You have proved dedicated, loyal and committed during your time in Kabul. We are living in a very confused world and the soldiers of the Yorkshire Regiment could be called upon at any time to serve anywhere in the world.”
He also praised the soldiers’ families and friends stating that without their support it would have been impossible for the Battalion to complete such successful tours.”
Lieutenant Colonel Sam Humphris (correct), 2 YORKS Commanding Officer, said of his soldiers: “They have worked exceptionally hard, recognised that operational excellence is a journey without end and understood the need for humility, given the mercurial and sophisticated nature of the enemy they faced.
“Whilst the lethality of attacks in Kabul has increased, a constant in our tenure has been the accuracy, professionalism and precision of all of our soldiers.
“They have absolutely set the standard in Kabul, both in their day-to-day business of protecting the high tempo ‘train, advise and assist’ mission; but also whenever they have been required to respond to attacks or conduct deliberate operations.
“As a result we have saved many lives and made safe many others and those tallies are but two of the Battalion’s impressive legacies to the mission. It has been my greatest privilege to serve with them on operations and to share their many successes. They have been magnificent.”
During the medal presentation the Duke was joined by Her Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant for North Yorkshire, Mr Barry Dodd CBE and Colonel of the Regiment, Brigadier Andrew Jackson.
