65 soldiers from the Allied Rapid Reaction Corps’ Support Battalion, who have spent the last six months serving in
Afghanistan, have all safely returned home this week. The Gloucester based soldiers, who are part of 170 Pioneer Squadron, served with The Black Watch, 3rd Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland (3 SCOTS) in a wide variety of roles from providing infantry to searching for Improvised Explosive Devices to partnering and mentoring the Afghan Security Forces.
The soldiers, who are normally based at Imjin Barracks, Innsworth, are currently taking part in a series of
homecoming parades across eastern
Scotland with 3 SCOTS. They will finally return to their families in
Gloucester this weekend.
The Commanding Officer of the Support Battalion, Lieutenant Colonel Simon Butt, said of his deployed men and woman "I am absolutely delighted that The Black Watch and soldiers of 170 Pioneer Squadron have all returned safely after the completion of a very successful tour of
Helmand
Province in
Afghanistan. I am very proud of their achievements over what has been a challenging 18 months since they began training."
The Support Battalion, who have had more than 120 soldiers serving in Afghanistan during the past six months, are looking forward to holding their own homecoming and medal parade in Tewkesbury on 30th May. More information on this event will be issued in due course.