A WARRINGTON soldier is one of 84 from the North West who have flown home from Afghanistan after completing their six month mission in Nad ‘Ali, Helmand province.
All members of the 1st Battalion of The Mercian Regiment (1 MERCIAN), they were welcomed home by their families at a ceremony on the unit’s base in Catterick, North Yorkshire.Lance Corporal James Heaton, 20, from Warrington, was met by his wife Heather and daughter Esmai, aged nine months.
He said: “It’s amazing to be home, it’s awesome. I can’t describe it. The last time I was back was in January and Esmai’s changed a lot in that time. I’m just looking forward to giving her cuddles.”
Around 500 1 MERCIAN soldiers served on this deployment, which was known as Herrick 17, under the command of 4 Mechanised Brigade.
1 MERCIAN developed the capabilities of the Afghan National Security Forces and began handing security over to their Afghan colleagues in Nad ‘Ali.
Lance Corporal Jamie Webb, 24, of Handforth, Wilmslow, was killed during the deployment. He died in hospital in Afghanistan as a result of wounds he sustained during an insurgent attack on his patrol base on March 25.
Lt Colonel Phil Kimber, commanding officer of 1 MERCIAN, said: “I’m extremely proud of the role my soldiers performed in Nad ‘Ali. Their professionalism and commitment to the task was remarkable in what continues to be a challenging and dangerous environment.
“Lance corporal Webb’s death was a devastating tragedy which was felt by all in the Mercian Regiment. Our thoughts remain with his family, particularly now as we welcome the last of our soldiers home.”
With the UK combat mission expected to be completed by the end of 2014, it is likely that this was the last deployment by 1 MERCIAN to Afghanistan.
However the 2nd Battalion of the Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment (2 LANCS), which also recruits from the North West, has just deployed around 400 soldiers to the country for six months.
They will take over much of the work of 1 MERCIAN and are expected to be the last British battalion to serve in that part of Nad Ali.
Its six month tour will see soldiers mentoring the Afghan National Army as local security forces take on sole responsibility for the district.
Picture: Lance Corporal James Heaton, 20, from Warrington, with his wife Heather and daughter Esmai, nine months.
Soldier home from Afghanistan
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