Our online forms will be unavailable between 12.00am and 8.00am on Monday 7 April, and between 8.00pm and 10.00pm on Thursday 10 April for essential maintenance. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.

The following systems will be unavailable from 5.00pm on Wednesday 9 April until 7.30am on Thursday 10 April: our online Council Tax, business rates and housing benefit system, and our welfare assistance form. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.

Coming home

The majority of the battle group spent almost seven months in Afghanistan. During this period, most had a two week rest and recuperation break in the UK. Most were able to keep in touch with friends and family back home with a weekly 30-minute allowance on satellite phones, others, with access to the internet, were able to email. Everyone relished the arrival of blueys and eblueys from home.

Returning soldiers coped with a sudden change of lifestyle in different ways: some found the transition uncomplicated, whilst others struggled to cope with the difference. Before arriving in the United Kingdom, soldiers spent at least 24 hours at a British military base in Cyprus to relax before the final leg home. After the first day of catching up with friends and family, the soldiers were back to regular duties, cleaning kit and completing paperwork.

Lance Corporal Michael Westaway

Lance Corporal Westaway talks about some of his experiences in adjusting to life away from the dangers he faced in Afghanistan.

Lance Corporal Westaway's transcript (PDF, 75 KB)

Sapper Coombes

Talks about the work done with families and describes the welcome received by returning troops.

Sapper Coombes's transcript (PDF, 6 KB)

Corporal Kevin Ball

Corporal Ball describes his joy at seeing his little boy again.

Corporal Ball's transcript (PDF, 2 KB)

Rifleman Briggs

Rifleman Briggs reflects on the difficult transition back into home life.

Rifleman Briggs's transcript (PDF, 2 KB)