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Prime minister Boris Johnson applauded members of the Armed Forces involved in the evacuation of British nationals and vulnerable Afghans from Afghanistan this summer.
Representing the Royal Navy, British Army and Royal Air Force, 120 personnel marched from Wellington Barracks to the Palace of Westminster as Parliament came together to thank them for their service.
Operation Pitting was carried out in August and saw more than 15,000 people, including about 2,200 children, airlifted out of Kabul.
More than 850 people arrived at RAF Brize Norton where they were provided with food, clothing, children’s toys and medical help while their details were processed.
It was the largest and fastest humanitarian evacuation operation in recent history.
“I was impressed,” the PM said in a speech.
“Although not just by your bravery, of course, and the way you dealt with so much – including the appalling terrorist attack that happened at Karzai airport.
“What really struck me talking to you was the professionalism, the care, with which you dealt with human beings in an extreme state of fear and distress and the diplomacy with which you worked with those Afghans, Taliban or otherwise.”
The Prime Minister continued: “That operation – Operation Pitting – will go down as one of the great achievements of our UK Armed Services in the whole of the post-war era.
“I believe that you stood for and you revealed the very best of the values of this country. And on behalf of all of us here today I want to say thank you, thank you very much.”
The parade was escorted by the Central Band of the RAF.
The reception was also attended by 30 guests representing the contribution of other Government departments and civilian authorities.
There has been talk over whether those personnel involved in Operation Pitting should receive medals for their role.
