Royal Marines

40 Commando Royal Marines
Originally uploaded by Nostromoo

Today Taunton town centre was closed off for a drumhead service in tribute to 40 Company Royal Marines. The event began with a march through the town by the batallion, from Station Road to the Parade. The service was held outside the Market House.

It was absolutely an amazing experience to be there, and to be part of the crowd. There were hundreds, if not thousands of people lining the streets throughout the town, it was very hard to find a good place to shoot from. It was also incredibly humbling and moving to see the young Marines march past, to see their injured comrades, to see the bereaved families of those marines who did not return from Afghanistan, and to see those old veterns pay tribute to those that have taken their place.

The marines were roundly applauded as they came up North Street by all around, as they were again after the service as they marched down Corporation Street.

You can see more of my images from the day here.