Welcome return home for Thorney Island soldiers

The Imjin Tigers of the 47 Regiment Royal Artillery spent six months in Afghanistan as part of Operation Herrick fighting the Taliban in Helmand Province.

The troops returned home in three batches on and were greeted by their families at the base after landing at RAF Brize Norton.

Battery Commander Major Matt Sargent returned home three weeks before his men to make sure everything was ready and waiting for their return.

“I am very proud of every member of my group,” he said. “From the command unit right on down to the most junior soldier, they really did an excellent job.

“The work they are doing is vital and they have to operate seamlessly alongside a number of other units, including the Afghan national army, which they certainly did.

“Now following one last week of work they can enjoy a well-earned break with their families.”

Staff Sergeant Dean Smith, 39, arrived home from his last tour of duty having spent 22 years in the army. And after waiting for him to return to them for the last time, his wife Alice, 36, and children Connor, seven, and Heather, five, were overjoyed.

Alice, from Southbourne, said: “It’s nice to think now he is just going to be back, full stop. The waiting and worrying can be hard to bear, and I thought his previous tour was his last one, so I’m just happy he’s home okay.

“The kids are desperate to see him as well – he hasn’t been home for more than three months since Heather was born.’

Staff Sergeant Smith said: “It’s wonderful to be back, but a bit daunting. I’m sure it will take a while to sink in that it’s all over, and that I’m never going back.”

Sergeant Clint Matthias, who has served two tours in Iraq as well as in Afghanistan, said: “It was a tough tour. There was a lot of small arms fighting which was more up close and personal for the lads but there was also a lot of meeting local people which was good.’

The tour ended on a high note, Sgt Matthias said.

“Over the last three weeks, we helped 26 families in Lashkar Gah, who fled to Pakistan at the start of the fighting, move back home. They said the area is much more stable now. It’s good to know they value the security we provide.

“It’s all about hearts and minds and it’s starting to work.”

The Imjin Tigers are one of the most crucial units serving in Afghanistan, because they act as the Army’s eyes and ears.

Operating unmanned air systems, the soldiers use small, lightweight aircraft to gather intelligence and monitor troop activities.

The models used by the Tigers have no weapons and are used only for surveillance.

Nicknamed ‘the eye in the sky’ they provide real-time video footage so commanders have all the information they need to make decisions.