FAMILIES of Didcot soldiers watched with pride as medals were pinned on their chests just days after returning home from Afghanistan.

Thirteen members of 11 EOD Regiment, based at Didcot’s Vauxhall Barracks, were awarded Operation Herrick campaign medals at a ceremony in Wimbish, Essex, on yesterday.

Most had only returned from the heat and dust of Helmand Province in the past fortnight. They stood alongside colleagues from the Royal Logistic Corp and 58 Field Squadron (EOD), part of 33 Engineer Regiment (EOD), who together formed the Joint Force Explosive Ordnance Disposal Group.

The soldiers were responsible for defusing roadside bombs and booby traps in the province where Nato troops are engaged in fierce battles with the Taliban.

During their six-month deployment, they dealt with more than 1,400 incidents.

Adjutant Captain Richard Gardner said: “We are hugely proud of the men and women on parade to receive their campaign medals for Afghanistan.

“The occasion also allows us, friends and families to honour Capt Dan Shepherd who made the ultimate sacrifice, and give thanks to the injured who will endure years and in some cases a lifetime of challenge as a result of their duties.

“It was immensely humbling reflecting on the past six months and listening to quite literally heroic stores from soldiers who had been at the heart of the fight against the Taliban.”

The MoD said the actions of the bomb disposal experts had saved the lives of both soldiers and civilians.