British soldiers marched on Red Square for the first time in history on Sunday May 9, alongside more than 10,500 Russian troops, to mark the 65th anniversary of the defeat of Nazi Germany, or the end of the Great Patriotic War as it is called in Russia.

Seventy-six soldiers from 2 Company 1st Battalion Welsh Guards represented the UK in the parade at the invitation of the Russian Government together with troops from the US and France and other armies from what was the Grand Alliance.

This year's event was the most extravagant yet, estimated to be cost £26million, with a 1,000-strong military band, 161 tanks and missiles and 127 aircraft making their way across the square with the 13,000 marching soldiers.

The one hour parade also featured six types of defence equipment on display for the first time in a massive show of military might that dominated the city's sky and roads.

Red tunics and bearskins

Amid all this pomp, the Welsh Guards in their distinctive red tunics and bearskins attracted considerable attention and popular support. "There is a sense of pride to be in this massive parade on Red Square," said Guardsman Ian Mundy at the dress rehearsal. "It seems that everyone is interested in us as well and I'm proud to be a part of that."

The soldiers even learnt a few Russian words to fall in with Russian parade drill. "It is a very difficult language to learn," admits Lance Cpl John Sanigar from north Wales, "but it's a brilliant place to be at the moment for the Army and the Welsh Guards."

The Welsh Guards stayed at the Moscow Military Academy just ten minutes away from Red Square as guests of the Russian Army during their ten day tour in Russia. They were given a guided tour of the Kremlin, and invited to concerts and enjoyed a cultural tour of the city via a boat trip up the Moscow River.

'Surreal experience'

Just six months ago the Welsh Guards were serving in Afghanistan during Operation PANTHERS CLAW on HERRICK 10.

Commanding Officer of the Welsh Guards, Lieutenant Colonel Charlie Antelme, said the parade was a "surreal" experience to be part of.

"This is going to be an historic moment for the Welsh Guards and the British Army, and, of course, for the Russian people" said Lt Col Antelme, who flew to Moscow specifically for the dress rehearsal.

"I think this is a really interesting time in Russian history.

"They want to celebrate what was achieved, not only by their veterans, but by veterans across all the Allied Forces and we really welcome the chance to get alongside the people we fought so hard with for the freedom of Europe."

The Victory Day parade was attended by 25 foreign leaders who joined President Dmitry Medvedev in the official stand on Sunday, May 9th.