British soldiers back from Basra

Four gunners from 15 Squadron Royal Air Force Regiment were killed on operations in Iraq

Members of the last British Regiment to leave Basra in Iraq have arrived in the UK to be reunited with their families.

The 15 Squadron Royal Air Force Regiment landed at RAF Brize Norton before returning to its home station, RAF Honington in Suffolk.

Four of the regiment's gunners were killed on operations in Iraq where about 800 troops remain.

They have been welcomed back by the 1st Royal Tank Regiment, which is also based at Honington.

Defence minister Quentin Davies welcomed back around 40 members of the Squadron to RAF Honington.

'Difficult operation'

Mr Davies said: "It has been a difficult operation but one which has been successfully concluded.

"We are pulling out of Iraq with our heads held high, having undertaken a very demanding but successful operation.

"We are handing over to a government that is stable."

The troops, greeted by a bagpiper and a crowd made up of family and friends, were applauded as they stepped off a bus at the base at about 1830 BST.

There were emotional scenes as families ran to greet the troops and welcomed them home.

Cpl Chris Smyth, 26, was greeted by his 28-year-old wife, Sarah, and five-month-old son, Ethan, as he stepped off the bus.

"I am overjoyed to be home," said Cpl Smyth, of Watton, Norfolk.

"I've been looking forward to seeing my little one for ages now, especially as we've been away for just over three months."

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