Heroes welcome in Worcester for the Mercian Regiment

Dec 7 2007 By Paul Bradley, Birmingham Mail

HUNDREDS of brave Midland soldiers returned home from Afghanistan relieved to be back from the dangers of front line duty.

After six months fighting the Taliban in Helmand province, soldiers from the 2nd Battalion The Mercian Regiment (Worcesters and Foresters) returned home.

But after the battalion lost nine men in battle, the mood was one of relief and thanks as the troops gathered in Worcester yesterday.

Soldiers from Birmingham, Kidderminster, Worcester and Droitwich joined a service at Worcester Cathedral.

Lance Corporal Graham Bowden, aged 26, from Kidderminster, said: "Fighting against the Taliban was very intense and frightening.

"It wasn't until the second month that we experienced Taliban ambushes. On one occasion we walked right into a Taliban area and we heard one of their fighters challenge us. The next moment our interpreter dived into a ditch and we had to hide for about 40 minutes.

"We killed about 15 of their fighters but one of our men was shot four times. Luckily air support came in and we got him out of there alive. It is people like that who are the real heroes as they sacrifice their body for the job."

Private Kieron Bragginton, aged 22, of Kidderminster, said: "It was a lot harder than I expected. In my first contact with the Taliban I was very scared and didn't know what to do.

"But then my training kicked in and everything was okay. When I got into the compounds I remember thinking that I was glad to have got through it and still be alive.

"Now I will spend Christmas with my girlfriend, step-dad, mum, brothers and sisters.

"I'm really looking forward to a traditional dinner and a drink."

Private Simon Windsor, aged 20, from Shirley, said: "I was based in Helmand giving basic security and support to local people.

"We had to try to get a relationship with the local Afghans, which was very difficult.

"We went out there on to the streets and tried to see if we could offer locals any help or support."

The soldiers, who returned home in October and will now spend Christmas with their families, marched in combat uniforms through Worcester in front of hundreds of shopkeeper and schoolchildren.

As the bells rang out the Battalion saluted and made their way to Worcester Guildhall passing through the city centre.