Soldiers serving with 3 Battalion REME are among the final troops from 20th Armoured Brigade to return from Iraq following the end of the UK’s combat mission last month.

On Monday afternoon thirty members of 20 Armoured Company returned to the base in Barker Barracks, Paderborn where they were met by cheering families and friends.

LCpl Daniel Shiels (pictured) said: “It’s a great feeling to be reunited with my family.  I’m just really happy to be back and to say I was the last one there.”  His wife, Lynn, added: “It’s an amazing feeling to have him back.  They’ve all done a great job.  I’m proud of them all, not just my husband.”

Iron Tryst – LCpl Daniel Shiels of 3 Bn REME, with wife, Lynn
and daughters, Shona (14) and Baylee (2).

3 Bn REME have spent the past 6 months based in Iraq and Kuwait as part of The Iron Fist, responsible for maintaining vehicles and supporting the military convoys backloading the Brigade’s equipment across the border.

OC 20 Armoured Company, Maj Paul Loader, continued: “We arrived just as the drawdown started and we’ve been involved with 1 (UK) Logistic Battalion throughout.  The guys have extracted all the equipment out of Iraq so that nobody has to go back. 

OC 20 Armd Coy, Maj Paul Loader.

“It’s the end of a long year and there’s the chance now to recognise that with the medals parade in a couple of week’s time.”

[Pictures: Cpl James Williams RLC]