Finally, they are all safely home.

Colchester soldiers’ families can breathe a sigh of relief on their loved ones return from Afghanistan.

The remaining troops from B company of the Second Battalion, The Parachute Regiment arrived back in Colchester yesterday to be met by family and friends.

The Paras had been stationed at a base in the north of Helmand Province for a gruelling six months.

Three months into their tour they lost three men, Nathan Cuthbertson, 19, David Murray, 19, and Daniel Gamble, 22 in a suicide bombing.

Commanding officer Maj Russell Lewis, 35, said: “Once it started, it didn’t stop for three months – we were in the thick of it.

“It was hard work and it was worrying. Every time you sent a patrol out, you sat there listening and waiting.”

He said morale had been boosted by support from Colchester in the form of messages and parcels.

He said: “I have never been in any doubt of the support of the public and particularly of the people of Colchester who have been wonderful.

“We saw images from the funerals when the town stood still in respect and it was moving to have that level of support.”

The men were met with applause and cheers from loved ones as they stepped off the bus.

  • More in today's Gazette
  • See also: Death noth in vain, says Major
  • See also: Families ask 'Why are they there?'