SOLDIERS from 2nd Royal Tank Regiment are due to return to their Tidworth barracks today after a six-month tour in Afghanistan.

Tank squadron EGYPT was the Viking armoured vehicle group and played a key role in all phases of Operation Panther’s Claw.

The squadron lost two soldiers during the operation, Trooper Josh Hammond and Corporal Lee Scott.

Squadron leader Major William Waugh said: “Although we are a small, independent sub-unit EGYPT has remained tight-knit, aggressive and robust despite its comparatively high losses.

“The squadron has taken the fight to the enemy at every opportunity and has been highly praised by the battle groups they have fought alongside.

“The men shall have time to reflect on their achievements and to mourn their fallen comrades before taking some well earned leave over Christmas and New Year.

“In the New Year, the squadron will exchange its desert combats for their traditional black coveralls and re-role back to Challenger 2 tanks ready for whatever challenges 2010 brings.”