A BATTALION of Bordon soldiers, posted in Afghanistan made an emotional return to Britain on Monday. Families, friends and loved ones gathered together at the Quebec Barracks to greet returning soldiers of the 4 Battalion REME, some of whom had been out on tour for six months. Sarah Liversidge from Leeds was waiting for boyfriend Private Ben Atkinson, with their son Aiden. She said: "It's been quite strange without him- very quiet. Aiden doesn't know why we're here, so it'll be a complete surprise for him to see his dad- and we're also surprising Ben too. It's an exciting day." As the soldiers went through routine administration and signed into the barracks, Commanding Officer Richard Aspray said: "Afghanistan is probably the most inhospitable place I have toured. "In the warmest months temperatures reach 45-50 degrees Celsius, which is debilitating for both the men and machinery out there. The terrain is arduous, and the dust of the desert makes everything very challenging. "Also, the base, Camp Bastion, is an altitude of 3,000 feet, and that has affects on all of the company." Despite this formidble conditions four REME, managed to keep up with the workload, said Lt Col Aspray. "REME work hard to repair all kinds of equipment for the soldiers on the ground, from the Warrior vehicles to weapons and other specialist equipment. "In such difficult situation soldiers need physical and mental robustness- which is something REME have in spades. "They are the unsung heroes of the conflict. They always get on with the job, and work long hours, often during the night, to repair equipment for the following day. As we left Camp Bastion, 4 Battalion REME were providing an 85 per cent availability level on all equipment. They have done an exceptional job." Elaine Laycock and her daughter Terri, 13, were waiting for her husband Corporal Bob Laycock. After a tearful reunion, Elaine said: "It's absolutely brilliant to have him home. There are no words to describe it. "Normally, we wait at home for him to get back, but we thought we'd come and surprise him this time. It's fantastic." This tour of Afghanistan was the first operational tour for some soldiers in 4 Battalion REME, including Craftsman Sarah Paton, 21. Sarah specialised in weapons, and was responsible for the maintenance and repair of three rifles. She said: "I was thrown in at the deep end, but it's been a big learning curve for me, and I'm really glad I did it. "There was a lot of responsibility on me, because if the guns are down, we have a potentially huge problem, but I really did learn a lot." After returning to Britain, the soldiers were given 48 hours off before reurning to work. Many seemed relieved to be home, and looking forward to some time off. Lt Col Ashpray said: "It's good to be home. It's nice to see the colour green again and smell the fresh air."
