Six Puma helicopters flew back in formation to RAF Benson on May 29 to mark the end of the station's involvement in the Iraq war.

Senior Aircraftsman Robert Draper being greeted by his parents, Alan and Margaret Draper

The crews and personnel had returned to base from the Gulf a month ago.

But the helicopters and the eight-man support crew had been transported from the Gulf on HMS Argus which docked at Devonport.

The squadron reassembled the aircraft and flew them back to their home base, completing the safe return of all 33 squadron personnel and support staff.

During the conflict, the squadron had seven Pumas and 130 people involved.

In the first land action, it led the air assault to seize oil installations on the Al Faw peninsula.