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thedrifter
01-18-05, 06:39 AM
Marines return home from Iraq duty


Royal Marines who spent Christmas serving in Iraq have returned home to snow and emotional reunions with their families.

Some 200 troops from 40 Commando returned to their base at Norton Manor Camp in Taunton, Somerset.

Family and friends waited anxiously as dawn broke and a sense of relief prevailed when four coaches arrived at the base.

After a 24-hour delay, the Marines travelled from Iraq to RAF Brize Norton before arriving at Norton Manor Camp.

Around 600 troops from the unit have been serving in Iraq. Of these, 50 were deployed with the Black Watch at Camp Dogwood. The rest will return home later this week.

Commanding officer Lieutenant Colonel David King said the Marines were returning home with a sense of "worth and value".

He said they had spent the last six months training Iraqi security forces in the south of the country.

"We have achieved a lot for the Iraqi people and brought all of our Marines back," Lt Col King said.

"We have been involved in preparing for the Iraqi elections and I think the Iraqis are looking forward to being able to determine their own future. That is why the elections are so important.

"We have seen the standard of life steadily improving for these people. Our troops have come back with a sense of worth and value. They are now ready for a break and they have earned this time off."


Ellie