It was a moment of pomp and circumstance, and of great symbolism, tinged with more than a little sadness.

OVER THE HILLS AND FAR AWAY: A Northumberland piper leads Major General Robert Gordon, second right, off the parade ground at Imphal Barracks, York Picture: Mike Tipping

As the military band played on the lawn in front of the army's 2nd Division Headquarters at Imphal Barracks, York, a Guard of Honour from 2 Signal Regiment marched into position under bright sunshine. Then the 2nd Division flag of two crossed keys was lowered and presented to Major General Robert Gordon to take with him to Edinburgh where the Divisional HQ is being relocated. Another flag featuring the merlin - the flag of 15 (NE) Brigade which remains in York - was raised in its place to symbolise the army's continued presence in the city. Indeed General Gordon said the army's presence was being reinforced.

Away from the parade ground, union leader Ian McLaren, who led the campaign to keep the Divisional HQ in York and who boycotted yesterday's ceremony, took a different view.

He claimed York and the North of England had lost the prestige of a commanding general because of a party political decision in which the army should never have become involved. He added: "The true loss has been trust," he said.

And Janet Ambler, a typist who has lost her job at the divisional HQ, has written to the Prime Minister to complain at the way she has been treated.

Miss Ambler, who is 13 months off retirement after 42 years as a civil servant, said she had suffered major health problems, including partial sightedness caused by diabetes, but had been able to carry on working at Imphal until now through the provision of special equipment. Twelve HQ typists have lost their jobs because the DVA does not need them.

Miss Ambler told Tony Blair: "I will not be able to get another job because of my partial sightedness; no one else will want to provide me with special equipment for 13 months."

Back on the lawn the Signals Regiment and accompanying band marched off, a magnificent spectacle of colour and precision, and General Gordon followed, led by a Northumbrian piper.

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