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Home safe for Fylde soldiers- Homecoming video
THEY'RE back! Dozens of Fylde Coast servicemen are today waking up at home following a gruelling six-month tour of duty in Iraq.
Champagne corks were popped, flags waved and colourful banners held up in delight as a coach bringing the soldiers home arrived back in the North West.
Around 550 soldiers from the returning 1st Battalion the Duke of Lancaster's Regiment (1 LANCS), who have been stationed in the Iraqi city of Basra, enjoyed an emotional reunion with loved ones at Fulwood Barracks.
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It was a double celebration for the Riches family from Fleetwood.
Brothers Ben and Stephen Riches, who are both Kingsman, served alongside each other.
Ben, 19, survived being shot at when he was ambushed while on patrol.
He said: "We were on a foot patrol just walking along and then these Iraqis started firing on us.
"Your training comes straight to your head and you just deal with it."
Steve, 21, who was met by fiancee Nicole, was on radio patrol when a roadside bomb went off near a vehicle in which his brother was travelling.
He said: "I could hear it all over the radio.
"It is one of those things, it can happen. It was worrying at times."
Taking about the brother's tour of duty, Stephen said: "I joined the army to get away from living with him and what happens? I end up living with him again."
The soldiers' mother, Carolyn Riches, 42, was in tears at their return.
She said: "It has been frightening.
"It has been a long time and a terrible wait. "
The troops, who are usually based in Germany, were training and working alongside the fledgling Iraqi army.
Regimental Sergeant Major Carl Thompson, from Bispham, celebrated his 40th birthday in Iraq last week.
He was serving in the same city as his younger brother Aaron, 38, for the first time after 24 years in the army. Aaron will be returning on June 6.
RSM Thompson said: "I met him a few times.
"It was good to be able to meet up with him for a cup of coffee.
"But when the rockets are coming in, you are not just worried about yourself but about your brother."
Kingsman Richard Lee, 20, from Marton, was welcomed home by his family and girlfriend Rachel.
He said: "It is exciting to be home after seven months away.
"It is enjoyable to see all your family here when you come off the coach."
Corp Richard Cameron, 28, of Kirkham, said the soldiers' mission had been very "difficult".
He said: "We had some bad moments when we thought we would be outgunned.
"But we have all come back safely."
It was the first time Kingsman Dean Winch, 26, from Fleetwood, had been deployed in Iraq.
He believed the biggest danger to troops was the threat of roadside bombs planted by insurgents.
Kingsman Winch said: "On one patrol we were out on the road and all of a sudden a bomb went off.
"None of us knew what had happened.
"It is good to come home because you do miss your mum and dad."
Commanding Officer of 1 LANCS, Lieutenant Colonel Gary Deakin, paid
tribute to his soldiers.
He said: "To see the lads link up with their friends and family is good.
"It has been a long hard six months in Iraq, but when you first set eyes on your loved ones it is amazing."
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Weather for Blackpool
Saturday 26 May 2012
Today
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Temperature: 12 C to 24 C
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Wind direction: East
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Temperature: 14 C to 23 C
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