Army

Battle of Waterloo Remembered In Kabul

British and coalition troops gathered at the NATO Resolute Support Headquarters in Kabul for a service of commemoration to mark 200 years since the Battle of Waterloo.

On Thursday 18th June 2015, the bicentenary of the battle which cost the lives of 25,000 British and allied forces, British Army personnel were joined by representatives from the German, France, Dutch, Irish and American Armed Forces to remember those who lost their lives during the battle which saw the defeat of Napoleon Bonaparte by the Duke of Wellington.

During the memorial service, the 1st Battalion, The Royal Anglian Regiment ('The Vikings’), who are currently deployed in Afghanistan providing security to the UK and NATO troops remaining in country in non-combat roles, paraded their Colours and Drums.

Major General Ben Bathurst, Senior British Military Representative Afghanistan said, “There is no doubt that the Battle of Waterloo was won by a coalition of nations. As we gather here today, we can reflect that our NATO training, advice and assistance mission relies heavily on working in partnership with other nations. The spirit of cooperation and partnership that was present at Waterloo endures to this day, stronger than ever through the NATO alliance, in conjunction with our operational partners.”

Colonel Charlie Sykes, Deputy Commander British Forces Afghanistan and event organiser said,

“Waterloo was an astonishing battle which set the conditions for peace in Europe for the next 100 years. I think it is absolutely right and proper for the British Army on operations today in Afghanistan to be commemorating the fallen from all sides who lost their lives 200 years ago today.”

“The fact we are able to undertake such a service in the company of so many allied nations demonstrates how far the international community has come since Wellington’s day; we are proud to be working alongside our NATO partners in supporting the Afghan National Defence & Security Forces and the Afghan Ministries”, he added.

Parade Adjutant, Captain David Crosbie said, “It is important, although we are deployed on operations, that we pause to reflect upon this highly important event in British military history. For the Vikings the commemoration is particularly relevant as several of our forebear regiments, (including the 44th Foot and 30th Foot) took part in the battle two centuries ago.”

Since the end of combat operations in Afghanistan, around 470 British personnel have remained in the country as part of the NATO-led mission, Operation Resolute Support supporting the institutional development of the Afghan government and the strengthening of the Afghan Security Forces.