Marines are back from Afghanistan

Marines are reunited with loved ones. Crown Copyright/MOD 2008

More than 100 Royal Marines have arrived back in Britain from a six-month tour of duty in Afghanistan.

The men from 40 Commando B Company, based in Taunton, arrived at Exeter International Airport on Tuesday from northern Helmand.

The 40 Commando has lost three men over the past month.

A spokesman said: "The Royal Marines is a tiny family. When we lose someone it is like losing a member of your family. But you come back stronger."

The men served in northern Helmand. Crown Copyright/MOD 2008

Last week, two Marines died in a blast, bringing to three the number of men from the Somerset base killed since the start of the deployment last October.

Lt John Thornton, 23, and Marine David Marsh, 22, were hit by what is thought to have been a roadside bomb on 30 March.

In February, Cpl Damian "Dee" Mulvihill, from Plymouth, was killed in a blast in southern Afghanistan in support of 52 Infantry Brigade as part of a UK-led multi-national force.

Bravo Company of 40 Commando were the first to arrive, with their comrades returning over the coming weeks.

The Marines have been an integral part of providing security for reconstruction, as well as leading several successful operations to clear pockets of Taleban resistance.

Brigadier David Capewell said: "40 Commando have served with distinction in Helmand Province.

"They have had a superb tour which has made a significant contribution to security and stability in Afghanistan and made a huge difference to the lives of the local people.

"Ultimately, we will all be more secure as a result of the difficult job they have done."