HUDDERSFIELD soldiers were among those celebrating the Territorial Army’s 100th anniversary yesterday.

Cannons were fired across the nation’s capitals to mark the centenary launch – TA100, a major cam-paign to acknowledge the contribution of Territorial soldiers since 1908.

And Huddersfield TA troops were among those to receive a birth-day card and message of thanks from TA patron The Queen.

The local unit is based at the Drill Hall in St Paul’s Street.

High profile events and commemorations will take place through-out 2008 in communi-ties across the UK. Events include a charity walk from Ilkley to Leeds.

Founded by War Sec-retary Richard Haldane on April 1 1908, Terri-torial Army soldiers first saw action in World War I.

Having served in both world wars, Terri-torials have since served in Aden, Kosovo, Bosnia, the Gulf and Afghanistan.

Troops from Huddersfield have been involved in tours of duty in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Defence Secretary Des Browne MP said: “This 100th anniversary year is a great oppor-tunity to praise the con-tribution of our Territor-ial Army and celebrate 100 years of excellence and commitment.”

Chief of the General Staff (CGS) Sir Richard Dannatt said: “The TA continues to make a significant contribution to operations as it has done throughout its 100 year history.”