Troops return from Iraq

Friday 17th November 2006, 7:15PM GMT.

Privates Richard Bowen and Mark Mayes Hundreds of soldiers paraded in front of top brass, family and friends today after returning to Shropshire from seven months in Iraq.

Troops from 2nd Battalion the Royal Anglican Regiment were presented with Op Telic medals today after completing successful operations in Basra City.

More than 500 soldiers have returned to the regiments base at Clive Barracks in Tern Hill, near Market Drayton, over the past few weeks. Pictured are Privates Richard Bowen and Mark Mayes.

Captain Martin Cook said today: “We all served out in Basra with one battle group or another and it has been a difficult and testing time for us in Iraq. Today is really the final part of the story. This is a nice time for closure and to present the medals, as well as having all the families here.”

A crowd of onlookers braved the wet and windy weather to watch the ceremony. The parade was started by the sound of drums and soldiers proudly marched on to the Parade Square at Clive Barracks.

The medals were presented to the Battalion’s five companies by senior military representatives including Major General (retired) John Sutherell CB CVE, Colonel of the regiment and Brigadier Chris Murray CVE, Commander of 143 (West Midlands) Brigade.