IT was the end of a wait that seemed to last a lifetime.

More than 100 family members and friends descended on Dalton Barracks to welcome home soldiers they saw leave home six months ago.

There were plenty of tears as 80 troops from 3 and 4 Logistics Support Regiment (LSR) made an emotional return from Afghanistan this afternoon.

Celia Wood, 34, of Abingdon, was waiting for her husband Major Tom Wood, with son Oscar, who is two today.

“It is a great feeling to have Tom back, when he was away you try not to think about it and carry on with life.

“But it is difficult when he misses out on things like Oscar walking and talking for the first time.

“Oscar is so pleased Daddy is home. He has worn his special squadron sweatshirt and gave him a big hug and kiss.”

Major Wood, 35, admitted the hardest part of being away was missing his family.

“It was tough missing my son grow up and it is a huge sense of relief now that I am back,” he said.

“I was worried my son may not recognise my face.

“This has been one of, if not, the toughest tour and to have all the boys back is brilliant.”

The regiment has been training the Afghan army and was involved in Operation Panther’s Claw, which was organised to pave the way for the Afghan election in August.

They were also involved in a series of convoys, which carried equipment to other British soldiers.

Samantha Ryder, 27, based at the barracks and has been married for a year to husband Jon Ryder, 29, who is in 1st Battalion the Rifles.

“We have got a lot of catching up to do, in our first year of marriage we have seen each other for about five weeks because Jon was in Iraq,” she said.

“The whole experience has been a once in a lifetime opportunity.

“Now I look forward to spending some time with my family, and especially my mum, who lives in Portugal.”

Mr Ryder added: “We have had good contact with email and phone calls of about 30 minutes a week. So, we have been able to keep up-to-date with what each other has been up to.”

Captain Kevin Jessop, unit welfare officer for 3 LSR, said: “The main thing is we have been very fortune because each operation has faced a bit of trouble, but nobody has been wounded.

“The young soldiers certainly had their drills and skills tested and have done the regiment proud.”

Mr Jessop said plans were in the pipeline for a homecoming parade, which will take on Wednesday, November 25.

Staff Sergeant Claire Griffiths, the only British woman driving combat vehicles on patrol in Afghanistan, was finally back in husband Simon’s arms.

The 33-year-old, from Wantage, who has a three-year-old daughter Nicole, was involved in patrols and mentoring the Afghan army.