AFTER more than 56 years' service with the 32nd Regiment Royal Artillery, the historic 74 Battery, Battle Axe Company, has left Larkhill to move north.
The officers and men of the famous company have joined the 39th Regiment Royal Artillery at their home in Newcastle.
The end of an era was marked with a symbolic march-out, part of a day of events which began with a parade in front of a large gathering of soldiers' families, battery guests and some of the veterans who fought for The Battle Axe Company in Korea.
On May 28, 1953, men with the 74 Battery engaged the Korean Army at the Battle of the Hook.
The fierce battle caused huge casualties on both sides but 74 Battery distinguished itself by keeping guns in action for the 24-hour period and firing 1,493 rounds.
The 50th anniversary of the battle saw the move from Larkhill to Newcastle and the move from the 32nd to the 39th.
After the parade everyone was invited to join the Battery for lunch before an afternoon of entertainment for all the families.
In the evening there was an all-ranks function which continued until the early hours of the morning.
Said one of the party-goers: "It was a sad occasion as it marked the end of an era for both the Regiment and the Battery who have been together since 1947, but everyone had a good time."
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