Salute our East Lancashire heroes at their big homecoming

On Wednesday, 120 Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment soldiers from across East Lancashire will march through the streets of Blackburn.

After a gruelling six-month tour of duty in the conflict-torn country, they deserve a rapturous welcome.

And to underline their amazing work and sacrifices, the Lancashire Telegraph has highlighted the stories of 10 local soldiers who put their lives on the line for us.

They include Lance Corporal Jordan Bancroft, 25, of Earby, who died during the tour after being shot by insurgents in August.

Kingsman Jack Plant, 20, of Nelson, lost both legs after a roadside bomb blast in July.

Kingsman Shaun Aspin, 22, of Colne, was almost paralysed after being blasted at close range by an insurgent’s explosives last spring.

Captain Kevin Hayes, whose family are from Hyndburn, lost his spleen and was left with damaged lungs after an attack.

Aside from injuries East Lancashire soldiers were tasked with a variety of dangerous and important jobs.

The regiment was an integral frontline infantry unit in the Army’s fight against the Taliban.

Lance Corporal Lee Smalley was one of the first soldiers to use a new £180million detection system called Talisman to find IEDs and mines.

Most 18 year olds are worried about girls and their social life, but Kingsman Nathan Akers, of Nelson, was involved in regular gun battles with the Taliban up to four times a week.

Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment Captain Christian Wragg, regimental media officer, urged people to attend the parade.

He said: “They will really appreciate seeing people supporting them.

“It means a lot to the troops and they are doing a very difficult job out in Afghanistan and it is nice for them to come back and see they have the support of people back home.”

Since losing his legs, Kingsman Plant has undergone gruelling re-habilitation treatment at Headley Court and is now confined to a wheel-chair.

George Adam, chairman of Nelson branch of the Royal British Legion, said of Kingsman Plant: “He is an example of why people should attend the parade and there are lots more peo-ple in the same position.

“They are out there stopping terrorism from coming to the streets of Britain and I think they are doing a good job and should be recognised because a lot of them are paying the ultimate price and coming back home with serious injuries.

“I hope the whole of Lancashire turns out for them.”

Kingsman Aspin, 22, has had surgery to insert a metal plate in his spine where it shattered, and suffered shrapnel wounds to his arms and back.

He is hoping to be given the all clear to return to the frontline in Afghanistan in the next few weeks.

His dad Martin said a large turnout on Wednesday would spur the soldiers on to ‘finish the job’.

“It shows that people care and that they are thinking about them while they are out there,” he said.

“These are local soldiers and local people should support them by going to the parade.”

Private Daniel Holding, 20, suffered neck and back injuries when an improvised explosive device detonated under his armoured vehicle.

The soldier, from Wheelton, then spent four hours under Taliban fire before being airlifted to Camp Bastion for treatment.

His mum Sharon, of Blackburn Road, said he was hoping to attend the parade with her and husband Brian.

She said: “I think attending the parade is the least people can do to show their support when you think of what these lads have gone through and are going through.”

L/Cpl Bancroft’s dad Tony has urged people to show their support for the homecoming parade.

He said: “It is important because they are fighting for everyone who lives in peace in this country.

"And for those who died the community needs to show that we have not forgotten their sacrifice.”

The soldiers will carry out their right, under their Freedom of the Borough, to march through the town after a service at Blackburn Cathedral and ahead of a civic reception at King George’s Hall.

The parade will begin from Blackburn Cathedral at 12.45pm.

It will lead to King George’s Hall, via the town hall, for a civic reception.

Roll of honour

Lance Corporal Jordan Dean Bancroft

25, described by Army officers as a ‘true lion of England’ was shot dead by insurgents on August 21 as he patrolled in southern Nade Ali.

Kingsman Jack Plant

20, of Nelson, was injured in Afghanistan in July, losing both legs and a thumb as a result of a roadside bomb.

Captain Kevin Hayes

The son of Hyndburn councillor Doug and former mayor Sandra Hayes, was seriously injured in an incident in Afghanistan, which caused him to lose his spleen and left him with smashed ribs and damaged lungs.

Kingsman Nathan Akers

18, of Nelson, was involved in gun battles with the Taliban up to four times a week on the frontline with the Burma company.

Barry Quinn,

28, of Burnley, cheated death twice this year when massive roadside bombs exploded under his vehicle while out on patrol trying to find explosive devices.

Lance Corporal Phillip Baldwin,

25, of Accrington, was one of three siblings putting their lives on the line in Afghanistan, along with brothers, Daniel, 23, and Matthew, 22, who serve in the RAF and Royal Marines.

Lance Corporal Lee Smalley

27, of Darwen, helped to uncover six roadside bombs in three days after being one of the first troops to use a £180 million new detection system.

Lance Corporal Craig Walsh,

of Darwen had undergone two operations after being shot – but he refused to leave his comrades, instead staying for treatment in Afghanistan.

Private Daniel Holding

20, of Wheelton, suffered neck and back injuries when an improvised explosive device detonated under his armoured vehicle.

Kingsman Shaun Aspin,

22, of Colne, was almost paralysed after being blasted at close range by an insurgent’s explosives last spring.

He has had a metal plate fixed in his spine where it shattered.

Click below for the Duke of Lancaster's homecoming parade route