Cardiff City host returning Welsh Guards

Cardiff City are proud to announce that 1st Battalion Welsh Guards, just home from action in Afghanistan, will be our guests at Saturday's match against Crystal Palace.

We are delighted to give the South Wales public the opportunity to give the troops a rousing welcome on their return from a six-month tour of duty on the battlefield.

The welcome will take place on and off the pitch - guardsmen and their families will be entertained in the Premier Suite, while troops in desert fatigues will march on the pitch before the match to the tune of Men of Harlech. Wounded members of the battalion will also take a salute from the crowd, while children of guardsmen will be Cardiff City mascots for the day.

Fans will also be able to show their appreciation by buying Welsh Guards charity wristbands. Money raised will be used to support injured members of the battalion and their families.

Cardiff City chairman and chief executive Peter Ridsdale said: "It will be a great honour to welcome the troops to our new stadium. I know our fans will be proud to salute them. They are tough people who have been doing a tough job, and our aim is twofold - first to let them know that the public appreciate what they have been through, and then to make them very welcome at Cardiff City. We hope they have a great afternoon with us."

Five members of the battalion, including the commanding officer, died during Operation Herrick 10 in Afghanistan.

Lieutenant-Colonel Rupert Thorneloe, who died in an explosion on July 1, was the highest-ranking officer killed in action since the Falklands War. Two other officers, Major Sean Birchall and Lieutenant Mark Evison, also lost their lives. Two other men who died, Lance Sergeant Toby Fasfous and Lance Corporal Dane Elson, were from the Bridgend area.

Lieutenant-Colonel Charlie Antelme DSO, now commanding officer of the battalion, said: "I would like to take this opportunity to thank the people of Wales for their support during our tour to Afghanistan. I would especially like to thank Cardiff City Football Club for their kind offer in providing tickets for Saturday's game and it goes without saying that the Welsh Guards wish Cardiff City the very best of luck this season."

Lt-Col Antelme added: "The Welsh Guards began their tour of duty in March 2009, continuing the work of their predecessors. This involved clearing the Taliban from the centre of the area known as Nad e-Ali and building relationships with the local people.

"It was tough but satisfying work: empty shops have now been replaced with bustling businesses; the Afghan Army, Police and the Governor work together in a way that was previously unimaginable; wheat distribution is shortly to take place and progress is tangible.

"On the operation called Panchai Palang, the battalion was called upon to support the 19 Brigade advance to clear the Taliban stronghold of Babaji. The Welsh Guards were tasked to block any enemy escaping across the notorious ShamalanCanal and the Battle Group saw some of the fiercest fighting of the summer. In spite of heavy casualties they never took a backward step and the Taliban were left considerably weakened by their efforts.

"During Panchai Palang the Welsh Guards captured the towns of Cha-e Anjir and Basharan, both of which were under Taliban control. Schools will now be opening in both these areas for the new term and they will join more new schools in Luy Bagh and Nad e-Ali.

"Across the area mosques have been renovated, roads rebuilt and water brought to arid villages. All this starts to turn the people away from the repression of the Taliban and towards the possibility of a brighter future.

"These gains have been bought with the sweat and blood of Welsh Guardsmen, their brothers-in-arms from across the British Army, our American cousins, Estonians attached to the Guards, and Afghans of great spirit and courage.

"The commitment of these men, their bravery in the face of horrifying danger, and the humility and humour with which they conduct themselves has been inspiring to witness. The threads of Agincourt, Rorke's Drift and Monte Piccolo remain unbroken; Welshmen shining amongst their comrades in the defence of the nation.

"Our return home is marked with sadness at those who didn't make it, resolve to care for those who carry the scars of battle, and with enormous pride in what has been achieved. The support we have received from our families and friends, from Wales and from the country far and wide has kept us going and has been magnificent, we are most grateful - thank you."

*Cardiff City gratefully acknowledge the assistance of Heineken Wales, Compass, and Safestyle Security in organising this homecoming event for 1st Battalion Welsh Guards.

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