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Tigers honour Armed Forces

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Leicestershire soldiers will be guests of honour at Welford Road on Saturday when Leicester Tigers play Sale Sharks in the Aviva Premiership.   The club has designated the day as an opportunity to show their support to the county’s Armed Forces with veterans and serving military personnel being offered discounted tickets.   On the plaza outside the stadium there will be two Foxhound patrol vehicles on show as used by the 2nd Battalion The Royal Anglian Regiment (2 R ANGLIAN) during their recent tour of Afghanistan. Also on display will be a range of weaponry, and soldiers will be on hand to talk about their equipment and life in the Army.   Major Andrew Swann, the Officer Commanding B (Leicestershire) Company, 2 R ANGLIAN, said: “We look forward to watching what I am sure will be a great match.   “Leicestershire has always been supportive of the Royal Anglian Regiment, and it is support we never take for granted so any opportunity to return to Leicester and talk to our local community about the work we do is always welcomed.”   Tigers experienced the consequences of war when 45 of its players were killed in action during the World Wars. Ten of these made the ultimate sacrifice while serving with The Leicestershire Regiment, which was later amalgamated into 2 R ANGLIAN.     The Regiment maintains strong links with the county. There are a large number of soldiers from Leicestershire serving with both Regular Battalions, and the Army Reserve Battalion (3rd Battalion The Royal Anglian Regiment) has a Reserve Company based at Ulverscroft Road in Leicester.   2 R ANGLIAN is based at Kendrew Barracks, Cottesmore. The base is named after Major General Sir Douglas Kendrew who served in The Royal Leicestershire Regiment and played for the Tigers. During World War Two he was awarded the Distinguished Service Order three times for leadership and bravery.   Simon Cohen, chief executive of Leicester Tigers, said: “The club has links with the Armed Forces going back to its very earliest days in the late 19th Century and we are proud to be able to welcome service personnel for matchday at Welford Road.”