Major William Waugh, the Squadron Leader of Egypt, a tank squadron from 2nd Royal Tank Regiment, had an emotional reunion with his wife Georgina and their three sons, including baby Harry.
Major Waugh proudly led his soldiers into Tidworth Barracks to the cheers of their waiting families and friends.
They were returning in time for Christmas after a successful but extremely intense and challenging six-month deployment in Helmand Province.
The 96 men took part in ferocious fighting, playing a key role in the recent Operation PANTHER'S CLAW.
Grinning from ear to ear after their joyous reunion, Major Waugh said:
"It is pretty amazing to see my son for the first time, I feel very emotional at the moment, but it is just wonderful to be back, it is fantastic to see my family."
Mrs Waugh added:
"He's a brilliant father. The first thing he always asks is how the children are doing. We are going to have a quiet Christmas readjusting to being a family again as coming back from a war zone to being a dad is quite hard."
Families cheer the return home to Wiltshire of soldiers from Egypt Tank Squadron, 2nd Royal Tank Regiment
[Picture: Adrian Harlen, Crown Copyright/MOD 2009]
The couple have two other children, Oliver, three and Charlie, two.
Egypt took on the role of the Viking Armoured Vehicle Group in Afghanistan, and played a key role in all phases of the Operation PANTHER'S CLAW and supported The Black Watch, 3rd Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland (3 SCOTS), Welsh Guards and Light Dragoons Battlegroups.
At times the Viking crews found themselves fighting constantly for days in the intense Afghan summer, with temperatures inside the vehicle reaching 50ºC.
Three soldiers from the Squadron were killed during the deployment: Trooper Josh Hammond, Corporal Lee Scott and Trooper Brett Hall.
Major Waugh, said:
"Although we are a small, independent subunit, Egypt has remained tight-knit, aggressive and robust despite its comparatively high losses.
"Camaraderie and black humour has seen it through its darkest days. The Squadron has taken the fight to the enemy at every opportunity and has been highly praised by the battlegroups they have fought alongside.
"The men shall have time to reflect on their achievements and to mourn their fallen comrades before taking some well earned leave over Christmas and New Year.
"In the New Year, the Squadron will exchange its desert combats for their traditional black coveralls and re-role back to Challenger 2 tanks ready for whatever challenges 2010 brings."