Thousands of residents and visitors lined the streets of Risca on St David’s Day to cheer the medics of the 203 (Welsh) Field Hospital unit.
The squadron received a heroes’ welcome as they marched through the town in an event to mark the unit’s homecoming following a tour of Afghanistan.
More than 100 Reserve soldiers, who work in hospitals and local health boards across Wales and beyond, took part in the ceremony.
The parade, led by The Band and Corps of Drums of the Royal Welsh, marched onto Graig View and Dan y Graig Road before turning onto Tredegar Street high street.
Those marching came to a halt outside Tredegar Park, where a medal ceremony took place honouring medics’ service in Afghanistan.
The parade, then continued to march to the nearby war memorial, where wreathes were laid to honour those who had lost their lives in the line of duty.
The event was organised by Caerphilly County Borough Council, the 203 (Welsh) Field Hospital unit’s designated partner for the Armed Forces Community Covenant scheme.
Traders and businesses entered into the spirit of the occasion by dressing their shop windows in patriotic colours and themed displays.
CO Colonel Tina Donnelly said: “The parade was absolutely superb from our point of view.
“To come back from our tour of duty and have weather like this, on the first day of spring, and have so many people turn out to support us was very special.
“When we were out in Afghanistan on operations we had a job to do. We’ve completed that job, and a ceremony like this has been the perfect closure.”
Leader of Caerphilly County Borough Council, Cllr Harry Andrews, said: “Today has been a very special day for everyone involved and a fitting tribute to the heroic medics of the 203 (Welsh) Field Hospital.
“I think I speak on behalf of everyone associated with Caerphilly County Borough Council, along with our residents, when I say that we are proud to be a partner of the 203 (Welsh) Field Hospital.”
• A creative window display by Thoughts gift shop in Risca won first prize in the ‘Dress your Shop’ competition held ahead of the parade and medal ceremony.
Staff created a vibrant window display to ensure the squadron of medics were given a warm welcome in Risca and staff celebrated the win by dining with members of the unit after the parade.