Soldiers return from Iraq (From Free Press Series)

Soldiers return from Iraq

VOLUNTEER soldiers who have been in Iraq for the last six months helping to rebuild war torn communities were given a heroes welcome when they returned home on the weekend.

Relieved loved ones rushed to greet soldiers from the Royal Monmouthshire Royal Engineers (Militia) when they returned to their base in Great Castle House, Monmouth, on Saturday night.

The Territorial Army soldiers were part of a regiment mobilised in May last year to support Operation Telic.

Whilst in Iraq, the soldiers helped to support the rebuilding and maintenace of the local infrastructure.

Their duties included bridge building and repair, supplying electricity to those who are without it, providing drinking water and rebuilding schools and hospitals.

The soldiers left Basra at around 5am on Friday to start their journey home to their civilian lives.

Commanding officer Lieutenant Colonel David Caulfield met the soldiers when they arrived at the Army's Mobilisation Centre in Chilwell, Nottinghamshire.

Fireworks went off at The Royal Monmouthshire Royal Engineers headquarters in Monmouth as local soldiers returned home.

The celebrations then continued with a party at Great Castle House, which included family members and colleagues from the regiment.

David Webb, an army spokesman, said: "It was a very happy occasion and it was a nice welcome home for a job well done."