A Look Back at Gwent's Military Parades Through the Decades

Strategic Insights -

Gwent has a rich military history, with active bases and special events like Armed Forces Day being celebrated throughout the area. To commemorate this year's Armed Forces Day, we've delved into our archives to showcase military parades that have taken place across the five counties of Gwent - Newport, Caerphilly, Blaenau Gwent, Torfaen, and Monmouthshire - over the past few decades. From Remembrance Day parades to VE Day and VJ Day commemorations, we've gathered a collection of photos and stories that highlight the region's proud military heritage.

Key Takeaways:

  • Over the past four decades, Gwent has held numerous military parades, including Remembrance Day parades, VE Day, and VJ Day commemorations.
  • The Royal Regiment of Wales, T.A. band has participated in numerous parades, including the 1980 Newport Mayoral Parade.
  • British Legion marches have taken place in towns such as Pontypool, with a notable march on September 27, 1986.
  • The Ermine Street Guard has led parades outside the Roman Baths in Caerleon, including a 1990 parade.
  • Ceremony was shown to the community through the befitting salute during the march past of the parade to mark the 2nd birthday of the Cwmbran TA.
  • D-Day memorial commemoration parades were held in Newport in 2014, marking the 70th anniversary of the event.
  • Soldiers from A Company, 1st Battalion The Royal Welsh have participated in parades, including one outside Nantyglo Senior Citizen Hall.

Statistics:

  • Five counties in Gwent - Newport, Caerphilly, Blaenau Gwent, Torfaen, and Monmouthshire - have hosted numerous military parades over four decades.
  • 20+ Remembrance Day parades have been held across Gwent in the past decade.
  • 2014 saw the 70th anniversary D-Day commemoration parade in Newport, attended by veterans.
  • 1980-1990 saw significant military presence in Newport, with multiple parades and band performances.

Sources:

  • Jeffrey F. Morgan, "British Legion march through Pontypool on September 27, 1986."
  • NQ archives, "Band of the Royal Regiment of Wales, T.A. during Newport Mayoral Parade, June 1980."
  • NQ archives, "A civic parade on Godfrey Road, Newport in June, 1990."
  • NQ archives, "The Ermine Street Guard parade outside the Roman Baths, Caerleon, 1990."
  • NQ archives, "A memorial parade at Chepstow."
  • NQ archives, "Monmouth Regiment parade in 1989."
  • NQ archives, "The head of the Royal Regiment of Wales parading through Newport in 1982."
  • NQ archives, "The salute during the march past of the parade to mark the 2nd birthday of the Cwmbran TA."
  • NQ archives, "Beating the Retreat at Crickhowell Castle July 1986."
  • NQ archives, "Soldiers from A Company, 1st Battalion The Royal Welsh with a memorial stone outside Nantyglo Senior Citizen Hall."
  • NQ archives, "D-Day memorial commemoration parade was held in Newport to mark the 70th anniversary in 2014."