The heroes of Arbroath-based 45 Commando will return home to Angus this week following a hugely successful mission.
The Royal Marines are coming back to Condor after spending six months at Nad-e Ali South in Helmand Province as part of a 9,500-strong UK section of Nato forces.
The families of the marines have been counting down the days since the exodus from RM Condor got under way in March (link).
The return is expected to be low-key as they adjust to civilian life again although it is hoped a parade can be organised further down the line.
The Angus people will rightly want to roll out the red carpet for the returning heroes who have the freedom of Arbroath.
The marines’ duties included protecting reconstruction teams, supporting the Afghan national army and police and denying insurgents freedom of movement.
Within their area is the former Taliban stronghold of Sayedabad, brought back under control last year after months of fighting.
The deployment was a first as 45 Commando had never been on a summer tour, or been based at Nad-e Ali South, in what was described as a critical year by coalition commanders as they prepare for the full handover to Afghan control at the end of 2014.
Arbroath Community Council chairwoman Patricia Millar said: ”There is a lot of affection for 45 Commando in the town because they are based at Condor and they are our boys.
”Everyone in Arbroath is proud of the work that 45 Commando are doing in Afghanistan and it’s been a very arduous time for them.’Warm welcome”’Their professionalism is to be applauded and they will come home to a very warm welcome from everyone in Arbroath who appreciates the work they do in very trying circumstances.
”I am sure they are looking forward to a well-earned rest and being back in the bosom of their families.”
The marines were working with Afghan soldiers and local police in Nad-e Ali South to provide greater security and stability in the area.
Until recently the area, where the marines from RM Condor were patrolling alongside Afghan soldiers from 3 Brigade 215 Corps, was a launch pad for insurgents to attack International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) and Afghan troops as well as civilians living in the Nad-e-Ali protected community.
The work they have been putting in has paid off, with locals turning against the Taliban and offering intelligence about weapons caches and the whereabouts of insurgents.
During the brigade’s last tour in the country, which began in October 2008, 32 service personnel lives were lost.
Arbroath councillor David Fairweather, whose son-in-law Grant Allan has twice been seriously injured while serving with 45 Commando in Afghanistan, said he was thankful there have been no fatalities on this tour.
He said: ”There have been injuries but thankfully there have been no fatalities and that is testament to their professionalism. The job they have been doing has been well received across Afghanistan and the marines have brought stability to a very difficult area.”
45 Commando are coming home as Black Watch soldiers begin their six-month tour of duty in the country.