Families' joy as troops return

Dozens of families travelled from Staffordshire and the West Midlands to Tidworth, Wiltshire, for an emotional reunion.

The Staffords returned to their Mooltan Barracks last night after a six-month tour of Iraq. Cheers of joy, applause and excited children's chatter echoed around the army camp as they stepped off the coaches into the arms of their families.

Tears flowed as loved ones clung to each other and as children were scooped up by their proud fathers.

The battalion returned home celebrating success after uncovering a number of significant weapons caches including mortar barrels, rocket launch systems and roadside bomb-making equipment.

They also stormed and destroyed a police station in Basra on Christmas Day where alleged corruption and torture was taking place.

But the Staffords' return was also tinged with sadness as the battalion lost Private Jonathon Wysoczan during the tour.

Challenging

The 21-year-old, from Biddulph, Stoke-on-Trent, was shot by Iraqi gunmen in Basra last month.

He was airlifted to Selly Oak Hospital in Birmingham where he later died from his injuries.

He was one of three fatalities and 51 injuries sustained during the regiment's tour.

The battalion had been situated at the Sha'at al Arab hotel on the banks of the Sha'at al Arab River, with a Rifle Company based at Basra Palace in the centre of Basra City.

Commanding Officer Lieutenant Colonel Tim Sandiford said: "This has been a difficult and challenging tour.

"The remarkable young men and women of this battle group have achieved a great deal.

"We have improved the capability of the Iraqi Security Forces by rooting out the corrupt elements and training the capable ones.

"And we have taken on those who wish to de-stabilise Iraq and used all means to defeat them.

"We have created a suitable environment for the Iraqi army and police to take responsibility for the north of the city, and we have galvanised the local population," he added.

"They realise now what the future can offer if they embrace security and democracy, and they are trying to," he added.

"I am immensely proud of what we have achieved.

"There was some fierce fighting along the way, and we never took a backwards step.

"It is a fitting way to close this chapter of the Staffords history."

The Staffords – who are poised to become the 3rd Battalion Mercian Regiment during the next few years – are scheduled to leave their Tidworth home in 2009 for a new base in Fallingbostal, Germany.

Lieutenant Colonel Sandiford said the soldiers were keen to make the most of their time at home.

He added: "The soldiers are now looking forward to some well-earned leave and the opportunity to thank our families and friends for their amazing support."