Joy for families as soldiers return home

Soldiers from a company who lost five comrades in operations in Afghanistan returned home to Britain yesterday to a tremendous reception from loved ones.

The 60 soldiers from A Company 4th Battalion The Rifles arrived back at their base in Bulford, Wiltshire, to flag waving applause and emotional scenes following their six-month tour.

The men were delayed by two days by the volcanic ash cloud and family and friends rushed towards them when the coaches finally arrived.

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The unit, commanded by Major Richard Streatfeild was based in the Sangin District of Northern Helmand, as part of 3 Rifles Battle Group.

Major Streatfeild, 37, from Chiddingstone, Kent, was hugged by his wife Rachel, 36, and their children Emily, five, and three-year-old Henry. "It's pretty good to be back," he said. "It's nice to see the family again.

"The morale of the company is pretty good. We recognise we have not brought everyone home – those families are in our thoughts."

Mrs Streatfeild said: "I'm very happy it's all over. We have five weeks' leave coming up and we are going to have some quality family time together."

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She added that the families back in Britain had supported each other at the stressful time.

Sergeant Ross Jones, 28, originally from Southampton but now based in South Africa was met by his parents, sister and nephews and nieces.

"It's great to be here and the reception was great," he said.

"You miss your family when you are out there but you're doing a job."

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Lance Corporal Tony Pearce, 26, from High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, was met by his wife Charli, 25, and two boys one-year-old Harley and Tige, four.

"I'm excited to be home and to see my family," he said.

Mrs Pearce said: "I'm just relieved really that he's back. It's been quite stressful but it's good to have him home and we are thinking about the families who have not been so lucky as us."

During the tour, the soldiers were located in Forward Operating Base Inkerman and the surrounding recently-built patrol bases to extend the area of security and stability around the local population.

The five members who were killed during the deployment were:

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Lance Corporal Tom Keogh, 24, from Paddington in London; Rifleman Carlo Apolis, 28, from South Africa; Rifleman Martin Kingett, 19, from Dagenham, Essex; Rifleman Peter Aldridge, 19, Folkestone, Kent; and Rifleman Samuel Bassett, 20, from Plymouth, Devon.