Afghanistan troops welcomed home - BBC

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Family and friends have welcomed home the first contingent of troops from Plymouth-based 3 Commando Brigade.

The soldiers, from 29 Commando Regiment Royal Artillery, returned at midnight on Wednesday after spending the last six months on duty in Afghanistan.

They have been in Helmand Province in the south of the country providing specialist artillery support for 3 Commando Brigade.

The regiment is based in the Royal Citadel on Plymouth Hoe.
Capt Alex Ireland said it was "fantastic" to be home.

City parade
His wife, Rebecca, said: "It's just so nice to have him back. I feel like I can relax now and start living my life again. It's been a really hard few months."

Major Mike Edwards, commanding officer, said it had been a "good tour".

"I think the boys did very well and operated well under very difficult conditions," he added.
"We definitely made a difference to the local population."

He said his men would now spend some time on leave.

The remainder of the 400-strong regiment will be returning over the coming weeks, with the majority back in Plymouth by Easter.

They are expected to parade through the city on 17 April.

This was 29 Commando Regiment's second tour of duty in Afghanistan in the past two years.
Two of its soldiers, Capt Tom Sawyer, 26, and Lt Lewis Aaron, 26, were killed during the deployment.