The Rifle Volunteers have completed a six-month tour in Iraq

Colour Sergeant Tony Smith, a member of the Rifle Volunteers, was wounded in the abdomen while on peacekeeping duties in Basra.

He was one of 78 men deployed to Basra in April, supporting the 1st Battalion Cheshire Regiment.

The 36-year-old senior storekeeper from Exeter is still being treated for the injury, but is said to be recovering.

Captain Kim Baker of the Rifle Volunteers, based at Wyvern Barracks, Exeter, said: "He is home with his fianc�e and he is still in quite a bit of pain.

"It will be a slow recovery, but he is recovering."

Other members of the Rifle Volunteers have also been reunited with their families after completing a six month tour of duty in Iraq.