Part-time soldiers return from Iraq

London's part-time soldiers have returned home to their families after six months helping to keep the peace in Iraq.

But amid emotional scenes this weekend, they returned to heroes' welcomes; marching into the TA's centre in Victoria as their families wept, cheered and waved Union Jacks. The soldiers of the Cambrai Company had worked alongside the British Army in its peacekeeping operation.

Based at the city's airport, the tasks of the regiment's three platoons included handing out aid and escorting dignitaries and officials to neighbouring towns. Their duties were often dangerous. One convoy was attacked with bombs, which left three soldiers seriously injured. Their base at the airport also became targets for mortar attacks at night.

Lieutenant Colonel Jeremy Moonie, the commanding officer, told the troops: "The difference you have made to the Army in Iraq has been enormous, and you and we can be proud of that. Today is a day of feeling pride, and you'll feel it when you know how proud we are for what you have done. It's great to see you back."

After a ceremony in which each soldier was awarded an Iraq Operation Telic medal and three received a special commendation the troops ran across the confetti-strewn floor to be reunited with partners and children. The troops also paid their respects to Lance Corporal Ian Dawson, 33, from Eltham, who fractured his skull and lost his left eye in a roadside bomb attack on his convoy.

As the soldiers settled back into their civilian clothes and lives, many said their first priority was to go on holiday. Private Simone McGeough, 22, said that after all the desert sun she would be going skiing.