In pictures: Emotional return for air crews

1 of 6 The Ark Royal was moored off Penzance, for the airlift to the RNAS Culdrose base on the Lizard Peninsula

2 of 6 About 300 personnel and 11 helicopters flew into the base

3 of 6 Families and friends were waiting for the crew at the base for reunions tinged with sadness at the loss of seven crewmen

4 of 6 An long-awaited return for Warrant Officer Robert Yeomans of 820 Squadron with wife Jan

5 of 6 Sea King and Merlin helicopters ferried backwards and forwards all morning

6 of 6 Lieutenant Commander Andy Murray of 820 Squadron is reunited with three-year-old son George