By Joanne Hughes BBC News Online

Wives and children lined the streets as they anxiously awaited the arrival of their loved ones, nearly three months after they were sent off to war.

After a five-hour journey from RAF Brize Norton, Oxfordshire, to the garrison in Catterick, North Yorkshire, the 50 soldiers from the Queen's Dragoon guards were tired and emotional.

The soldiers were met by family when they got off the coach

As their coach drew to a stop, their families clapped and flew Welsh flags.

Children threw themselves into their fathers' arms as their mothers held back, choking back their tears.

The mood was markedly different from the cold February morning when the soldiers trooped onto coaches, leaving partners crying on the tarmac.

Amidst the melee, proud father Matthew Tapp from Cwmbran met his five-week-old son Kieron for the first time.

He said he had been counting down the days until he could see him.

Some of the men, some as young as 19, had seen military action for the first time.

Others, like Sergeant Paul Jones from Wrexham, have been involved in previous conflicts.

Met by his wife Mary, Sgt Jones said the three-month trip made him appreciate his life back home.

"I'll never complain about this country again," he said.

Matthew Tapp with his new-born son Kieron

Mrs Jones was also welcoming home her son Neil - her two others sons remain in the Gulf with the Queen's Dragoon Guards

Visibly moved by the day's events, she said "I didn't think we would see this moment".

As the crowds dispersed, the men huddled in the sunshine with their families, talking animatedly about their experience.

Tanned from their time in their desert, the men held onto their wives, girlfriends and children, fearful of letting them go.

As they walked off into waiting cars and minibuses with their rucksacks, tears were replaced with laughter and children's delighted squeals as they talked about their plans.

Top on the list for Corporal Paul Jones from Merthyr Tydfil was some British food.

"I definitely want some fish and chips," he said.

"I've had enought of noodels to last me a lifetime".