Flying The Flag: Soldiers Celebrate St George's Day

Soldiers across the world have been celebrating St George's Day.

Emsworth in Hampshire marked the occasion with its annual parade through the town centre, welcoming 20 Battery, 16 Regiment Royal Artillery.

Hundreds of local people lined the streets to show their support. 

The Battery was accompanied on their march by veterans from various conflicts going back 60 years, including Borneo and Malaya.

Each soldier was presented with an Emsworth rose, in honour of the battle of Imjin in the Korean War. 

St George might be hailed as a national hero, but he was actually born more than 2,000 miles away and is not thought to have stepped foot in England.

It is believed he was born in Cappadocia (modern-day Turkey), and likely held the rank of officer in the Roman army.

Like many saints, St George was described as a martyr after he died for his Christian faith. 

It is believed that he was executed for refusing to make a sacrifice in honour of the pagan gods.

St George is the patron saint of England, but also other countries, including Ethiopia, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Lithuania, Palestine, Portugal, Russia and Turkey.

The famous tale of George and the dragon became popular in the late 13th century when legend said he slayed a dragon to save a princess.

Across the Armed Forces, there have been special messages on social media.