THE people of Oxfordshire were last night thanked by a military chief for their outstanding efforts at county homecoming parades.

Parades in Abingdon, Bicester and Benson this year saw thousands of people take to the streets to welcome troops home from overseas tours in Afghanistan and Iraq.

Brigadier Neil Baverstock, director of reserve forces and cadets at the Ministry of Defence, said people in the county had helped “boost morale”.

He said: “I’d like to thank you all for the outstanding support we have received this year from the public and local authorities.

“It has meant a great deal to our service personnel and their families.

“In particular, your public demonstrations of support in Abingdon and Bicester, among others, have done much to boost morale.”

Thousands of people lined the streets of Abingdon in November to mark the return from Afghanistan of 300 servicemen and women from 3 and 4 Logistic Support Regiments (LSR), based at Dalton Barracks.

Speaking on the day, Lance Corporal Justin Stanley, of 4 LSR, said: “It means a lot to all squaddies when you see people out at the parade showing their support.”

The following week the town of Bicester was out in force to welcome back troops from 23 Pioneer Regiment, who had also served in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Brig Baverstock added: “We are all aware just how much we rely on local communities, so the very real and growing partnerships which have developed over the last year have been particularly appreciated.

“I know that many people want to support our servicemen and women while they are overseas and you can do so, if you wish, through the MoD website.

“May I take this opportunity on behalf of the armed forces in Oxfordshire to wish you all a peaceful new year.”

In September, members of RAF Benson’s 33 Squadron received a hero’s welcome when they marched through the village centre.

War veterans, villagers, visitors and schoolchildren stood six deep along the streets to applaud the servicemen as they marked the end of operations in Iraq.

Station spokesman Nikki Hamilton said: “The support that RAF Benson continues to receive from the people of Oxfordshire is fantastic.

“Our neighbours turned out in their hundreds to welcome our men and women back from operations in Iraq at the homecoming parade in Benson village.

“The people of Oxfordshire have also shown incredible support to our personnel who are currently deployed on operations in Afghanistan.

“The support our deployed personnel receive from the people at home really does make a difference; it’s a great morale boost to the men and women working in the most difficult of conditions.”

l Hundreds of people also watched personnel from RAF Benson march through Wallingford to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the nearby base in April.

dhearn@oxfordmail.co.uk