THE first royal salute of the year was fired in York yesterday by gunners recently returned from Iraq.
The 19-strong firing party, from 40 Regiment Royal Artillery based in Topcliffe, Thirsk, fired a 21-gun salute in the city's Museum Gardens to mark the Queen's accession to the throne.
Second Lieutenant Kate Philp, 25, from Worcestershire, commanded the firing party from 6/36 (Arcot 1751) Battery, which returned from Operation Telic 2 in November.
Crowds gathered as the four 105mm light guns fired the salute on the stroke of midday. It involved firing 21 rounds from four guns at 15-second intervals. York is one of 12 saluting stations in Britain, including London, Belfast and Edinburgh.
The light field guns, which were brought into service for Royal Salutes a year ago, have been used in service in the Falklands and latterly in Afghanistan.
Her Majesty's Lord Lieutenant of North Yorkshire, Lord Crathorne who was hosted by the Commander of York Garrison and 15 (North East) Brigade, Brigadier David Shaw inspected the crews.
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