British soldiers to join Red Square march
- 14 years ago
British soldiers will march through Moscow's Red Square for the first time on Sunday to mark the 65th anniversary of the defeat of Nazi Germany.
Some 76 soldiers from 2 Company 1st Battalion Welsh Guards will represent the UK at the invitation of the Russian Government.
They will march alongside more than 10,500 Russian troops and others from the US and France.
The event - thought to be costing £26 million - also features a 1,000-strong military band, 161 tanks and missiles and 127 aircraft.
The hour-long parade will see six types of defence equipment on show in a display of military prowess set to dominate the city's sky and roads.
The Welsh Guards are staying at the Moscow Military Academy as guests of the Russian Army.
They have been given a guided tour of the Kremlin, invited to concerts and taken part in a cultural tour of the city via a boat trip up the Moscow River.
The Welsh Guards served in Afghanistan six months ago and lost its commanding officer, Lieutenant Colonel Rupert Thorneloe, during the tour.