The Commander of A Company, 4 RIFLES, Major Richard Streatfeild, is reunited with his wife Rachael, daughter Emily, and son Henry
[Picture: Sergeant Ian Forsyth RLC, Crown Copyright/MOD 2010]
Despite the homecoming being delayed by two days due to the volcanic ash cloud, hundreds of families and friends cheered and applauded as the 120 soldiers arrived at the camp in Bulford.
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Based in the Sangin district of northern Helmand, A Company was commanded by Major Richard Streatfeild as part of the 3 RIFLES Battle Group.
The soldiers were located predominantly in Forward Operating Base Inkerman and the surrounding recently-built patrol bases to extend the area of security and stability around the population centres.
The joy of waiting families and friends was tinged with sadness as they remembered the five members of A Company who were killed during the deployment.
Major Streatfeild said:
"We do not confuse taking casualties with a losing battle. Every one is a tragedy for families, friends and comrades. To a man they died fighting for their friends and doing the job they volunteered for."
The soldiers who were killed were: Lance Corporal Tom Keogh, 24, who died on 7 March 2010; Rifleman Carlo Apolis, 28, who died on 1 March 2010; Rifleman Martin Kinggett, 19, who died on 25 February 2010; Rifleman Peter Aldridge, 19, who died on 22 January 2010; and Rifleman Samuel Bassett, 20, who died on 8 November 2009.