Soldiers celebrate St David’s Day in Estonia

NOT even deep snow could freeze St David’s Day celebrations in Estonia as they got off to a boisterous start.

Bread of Heaven blared through the tannoy system at 6.30am, along with hymns and hits from Sir Tom Jones, to mark a funfilled day for around 400 soldiers from 1st Batallion The Royal Welsh.

They joined forces with the Danes and Estonians – who are part of a Nato force offering security support in a deter and reassurance operation 140 kilometres away from the Russian border in the rural location of Tapa – to mark March 1.

The highlight of the day was seeing the youngest member of each company munch their way through a leek in front of the entire regiment, which was followed by a toast.

Before they did so the significance of the leek was celebrated as a symbol of Welsh unity as it was blessed by Saint David.

The emblem dates back to the 6th century when our Welsh ancestors wore them as they fought the Saxon pagans during the time of Wales’s patron saint.

It is also understood the field in which they did battle was filled with leeks.

There were also soldiers dressed in white Estonian winter camouflage gear to represent bards as part of the leek eating.

Lieutenant Colonel Owain Luke, of 1st Battalion The Royal Welsh , who is from Monmouth, said: “We are keeping alive tradition that’s gone on for hundreds of years.

“We continue to maintain that tradition.

“There is a picture of a Welsh regiment in Korea in 1952 with leeks.

“There’s a painting in the officer’s mess of soldiers standing on the table in mess dress eating the leek.

“I feel a sense of responsibility to keep these traditions going.

“We started the day with gunfire (the officers present a toast to the soldiers at 6.30am in their rooms) and we had a parade with the Estonians and the Danes.

“We will also enjoy two cans of beer, a Welsh brewer has sent us some as a gift. We receive some nice support from home.”

The officers were presented with gold dipped leeks on a tray carried by the drum major Corporal Kristian Orton, 37, of Barry, with the haunting Welsh hymn Myfanwy providing a fitting backdrop.

A ceremony was staged inside a hangar due to the snow and icy conditions, which has seen temperatures drop to -26C in rural Estonia.

Plans to stage a game of snow rugby were shelved because of the conditions.

But the troops were treated to a traditional dinner of lamb shank, presented by the officers, along with Welsh cakes.

Regimental Sergeant Major Kyle Williams, of Maesteg , said: “I think it’s just something that upholds everything we do – it bonds us.

“It’s about bringing the little group together which is an iconic tradition for us.

“It’s something about giving back to the soldiers, it’s heritage, it’s pride.

“St David’s Day is always celebrated in one shape or form.”