AN ARMY squadron will march through the centre of Swindon to mark 70 years since a key World War Two battle and the signing of an Armed Forces Community Covenant.

A (Royal Wiltshire Yeomanry) Squadron will take part in a parade this Sunday to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the second battle of El Alamein.

It is viewed as one of the most important victories of the Second World War and was fought in the deserts of North Africa. The Allied victory led to the German surrender in North Africa in May 1943.

The parade will be the first time the regiment will exercise the Freedom of the Borough, which was conferred on the Royal Wiltshire Yeomanry on July 4, 2002.

Major Conn MacEvilly said: “Everyone in my squadron is proud to be have been given the honour of marching through the town on Sunday.

“We are a local unit, made up of more than 100 volunteers from Swindon and the surrounding area.

“The march is also a great way to wish ten of our soldiers well as they are called up the week after next for service in Afghanistan. It will be followed by the signing of the Military Covenant. This will cement in writing the bond between the town and all those serving in the Armed Forces.”

Swindon Mayor Coun Mick Bray said: “Their march through the town will give us all the opportunity to demonstrate our grateful thanks for their loyalty.”

The squadrons will welcomed by the mayor and will be joined by the Band of the Royal Yeomanry, the Isambard School Detachment of the Army Cadet Force and Members of the Royal Wiltshire Yeomanry Association.

The parade will leave Church Place at 12.35pm and will go through the town centre. The Armed Forces Community Covenant is being set up between the council, NHS Swindon, representatives of the charitable sectors, the civilian community and the Armed Forces community in the borough of Swindon.

It aims to encourage the community to offer support to the Armed Forces.