The sky overhead may have been dark and foreboding but the mood on the ground was anything but sombre as heroes from RAF Leuchars were welcomed home to Fife following a gruelling deployment to war-torn Afghanistan.
There were joyful scenes on the streets of St Andrews as thousands gathered to show their appreciation for the brave gunners.
Tuesday’s appalling weather may have stymied plans for a dramatic fly-past by Typhoons from the nearby base, but it did absolutely nothing to spoil the unique atmosphere among the friends, families and well-wishers who turned out to pay tribute.
Almost 200 servicemen from the Fife base have spent the last seven months in battle-scarred Helmand Province, frequently risking their lives to defend the allied stronghold of Camp Bastion from insurgents.
Among those lining the routes was 23-year-old Caroline Luke, who whooped with relief as her partner Christopher Laughlin marched past her vantage point on Market Street.
”This is a very happy day for me,” she told The Courier. ”The last seven months have been the longest of my life I cannot say how glad I am to have him home. They boys have done a fantastic job and the turn-out for them here today is amazing.”
After several months of near-constant worry and precious little contact with her beloved partner Caroline is now turning her attention to what promises to be the holiday of a lifetime.
”We are going to go on holiday to Dubai, which should be really special,” she said.
The homecoming parade was similarly poignant for Gemma Jones (30) who was there to cheer on her fiance Jake Lucas.
”It is a really proud day and I just wanted to be here to show my support,” she said. ”The last few months have been really hard and this makes it all worthwhile.
”While in Afghanistan our partners could only spend 30 minutes a week communicating with home so we have a lot of catching up to do.”
Shona Bennett-Ramsay (26) was full of pride as she watched Graeme Ivison march past.
”It has been a worrying time so it is wonderful to see the boys back again,” she said. ”There has been a great turn-out and it is has really united the town.”
Number 6 Force Protection Wing, including 58 Squadron RAF Regiment, deployed to Afghanistan in April. Working alongside the US Marine Corps, the field squadron played a key role in supporting allied air power in Helmand Province.
The gunners faced constant threats from mines, improvised explosive devices and unexploded ordnance left from the Soviet occupation.
Among those on hand to welcome the men back home was Fife Provost Frances Melville.
”I just want to say a big thank you to the members of Number 6 Force Protection Wing for carrying out their difficult and dangerous duties with such honour and commitment,” she said. ”We are proud that you are parading through our streets.”
Air officer for Scotland Gavin Parker also addressed those who had gathered to pay tribute.
”It is a great privilege to be able to exercise the right of the freedom of St Andrews with this parade today,” he said. ”Based in Helmand, Number 6 Force Protection Wing, including Number 58 Squadron, made a wonderful contribution, often risking their own lives to offer the people of Afghanistan the hope of a better future.
”They faced a willing and cunning adversary … in responding to 163 separate security incidents. They also responded to nearly 200 medical emergencies, evicting casualties often under fire.”
Just one person was injured during the deployment, and he has now made a full recovery and was among those proudly parading.
Local people were out in force to cheer on the gunners.
”I am very proud and grateful for all they have done and just wanted to be here to express that gratitude today,” said 66 year-old St Andrean Jan Black.
Fellow local May McGregor (76) said: ”It has been a wonderful spectacle and a very proud day.”
North East Fife MP Sir Menzies Campbell was unable to attend the parade due to parliamentary commitments at Westminster, but sent his best wishes, saying: ”This is a well deserved public recognition of the courage and steadfastness of those who have served with such distinction in Afghanistan.
”Their service has been in the best tradition of the Royal Air Force.”
North East Fife MSP Roderick Campbell said: ”It is excellent news that the almost 200 RAF Leuchars-based personnel have returned home safely and it is right that we welcome them back and celebrate their achievements while on duty.
”The parade provided local people the opportunity to show their appreciation for the job these brave people do.”
The parade is likely to be the last such event to held by the RAF in St Andrews following the decision to close the Leuchars airbase, replacing it with an army garrison.Click here for a full photo gallery