Thousands pay their tribute to the fallen on Remembrance Sunday

Nov 9 2009 by Robert Weatherall, The Journal

Homecoming of courageous TA soldiers marked by ceremony

PROUD families have celebrated the homecoming of Territorial Army soldiers returning to the North East from Afghanistan.

Operational medals were presented to members of 103 Field Squadron by the Lord Mayor of Newcastle at the territorial combat engineer regiment’s centre in the city suburb of Heaton.

The presentations at the Debdon Gardens centre were made to mark the squadron’s most recent tour of duty in the war zone and recognise their outstanding efforts in combating the Taliban.

Now those troops are once again adapting to regular family life back in the North East.

Melanie Hennebellel, whose husband Ian was one of this honoured at the weekend, said: “I am getting used to having him home now.

“It is just sometimes difficult to get back into a routine when he had been away so long.

“His sleeping pattern is horrendous. He wakes up in middle of the night and can’t get back to sleep.”

Ian, a window fitter from North Shields, said: “It’s really great to be back.

“I am really getting used to the idea now. It was a little strange at first.”

Presenting the medals, the Lord Mayor said: “The troops here today should be acknowledged by the whole community.

“Members of the TA also have to contend with their family life and so this places a huge amount of pressure on individuals and the families involved.

“It is a great honour for me to come here today and see the parade.

“On behalf of the whole city I thank you all for your service.” Katie Davies