Soldiers recreate histroric march through Alnwick

A troop of soldiers were given a warm welcome in Alnwick today as they recreated a march from Newcastle to Alnwick undertaken by their predecessors during World War I.

On 29-30 January, 1915, the 1st Battalion Tyneside Scottish marched from Newcastle to Alnwick and today 204 Battery, Kingston Park, 101 Regiment, Royal Artillery took the same route in an exercise called Kitchener’s Hammer.

A piper marched in front of the troops from Bondgate Tower to the Castle where Colonel Lord James Percy took the salute. The soldiers were then welcomed by dignitaries including the Mayor of Alnwick and representatives of Northumberland County Council.

Mayor of Alnwick, Councillor Geoff Watson, said “Once again the people of Alnwick welcomed a troop of soldiers to the town, and it makes me proud that people are willing to honour those who are prepared to serve their country.”

Colonel James Percy said he was “proud to receive and welcome 101 and 204 batteries, Royal Artillery and to mark this great occasion.”

County and Town councillor Gordon Castle commented: “This is a significant event in the history of our town and I’m so pleased people turned out to welcome these troops who are professional soldiers remembering the professional soldiers of yesterday.”

Colleague Councillor Martin Swinbank added that seeing the soldiers march through Alnwick was “a wonderful sight and part of the towns history.”

Major Thomas Ludlow addressed the troops saying he was “proud and privileged to represent Tyneside Scottish on this remembrance of their achievement in 1915 .”