Battle weary troops fighting in Afghanistan returned to their Hounslow barracks yesterday.
Family and friends celebrated the return of more than 100 members of the 2nd Battalion, the Mercian Regiment, at the Calvarly Barracks.
The men, all from C Company, had spent the last six months fighting in Helmand Province losing nine men during the fighting - making it one of the most battle-scarred British units in the fight against the Taliban.
Among those returning was Private Ben Harrison whose vehicle was hit by landmines in three separate incidents leaving him with a dislocated should and hearing loss.
His gran, Andrea Taylor, 67, said: "His only comment was that he had to learned to fly without a plane. He went out a boy and has come back a man."
Lieutenant-Colonel Simon Banton told the soldiers: "You have been brave, steadfast, loyal to your country, to your regiment and to your mates."
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