When troops return from active duty, the town traditionally turns out to welcome them back.

And this British Pathe film dating from 1953 shows the scale of homecoming our servicemen were afforded in the post war years.

The 1st Battalion Suffolk Regiment had just returned from fighting in Mayala and are seen here marching through Ipswich to the parade ground at Christchurch Park.

In this archive footage, The Mayor of Ipswich can be seen inspecting the soldiers and making a speech. He presents two silver bugles on behalf of the townspeople, to the regiment. Brigadier Backhouse receives the gifts on behalf of the regiment.

The Mayor takes the salute outside the Town Hall and as the camera pans around you can see thousands of residents respectfully lining the route.

See more scenes of old Ipswich here