Soldier is home (From Stroud News and Journal)

Soldier is home

THE banner flying in Amberley and the smiles on their faces say it all.

After months of worry during the Iraqi war mum Cynthia Weaver couldn't hide her pride and delight this week at having her boy back in the Five Valleys.

Jamie has been away since February with three commando brigade Royal Marines, which took him from Kuwait to the opulent confines of one of Saddam's presidential palaces in Basra.

Cpl Weaver a former Marling School pupil and one time barman at The Black Horse pub in Amberley said:

"It was a fantastic experience, especially when we liberated Basra. Thousands of people came out to welcome us, shaking us by the hand and thanking us. It was well worthwhile from a human rights point of view to take out the old regime."

The 28-year-old signaller, who was seconded from 45 commando based in Scotland, served with the UK Landing Forces Combat Support Group helping to secure the port of Um Qasr.

His wife Clare, who works for Norwich Union in Dundee, has had to adjust to husband's lifestyle.

"She's brilliant. She's got good friends in Amberley and Arbroath who all keep a look out for her," he said.

Cpl Weaver has toured Kosovo, Oman and Egypt, and spent five months in Afghanistan last year, where his unit was specially requested by the Americans for their mountain skills.

Cpl Weaver is enjoying a period of leave before returning to barracks at the end of the month, from where he expects to be posted to Northern Ireland.

But for now it's just good to be back home.