AFTER a challenging and successful tour of Afghanistan 250 soldiers of the 2nd Royal Tank Regiment (2 RTR) were presented with early Christmas presents in the form of campaign medals at Tidworth Camp at the weekend.

The Regiment deployed on Operation Herrick 18 in a diversity of roles.

The ‘Tankies’ were presented with their medals by Lieutenant General Chris Deverell MBE, Chief of Materiel Land, and Quarter Master General.

Attending in his capacity as Corps Colonel, the General said: “It was with enormous pride that I watched the regiment take on a leading Battle Group role in central Helmand.

“The regiment showed incredible resolve to execute the drawdown plan with honour, purpose and tempo.

“Every solider, of whatever rank, is sustained by the love and support of their loved ones.

“This is has been a great chance to come together as a family before the new year, and I wish you all a fantastic Christmas, safely reunited with your families.”

Commanding Officer of 2RTR Lieutenant Colonel Jason Williams said: “I am very proud of what the soldiers of this regiment achieved over the course of their deployment in Helmand Province.

We have left the province in the very capable hands of the Afghan National Security Forces.

“It is humbling to have been a part of the force which saw this 12-year campaign draw to a successful conclusion.”

Family and friends cheered proudly as the Band of The Royal Corps of Signals played throughout the parade.

Miniature medals were also presented to the children of deployed personnel in recognition of their fortitude whilst their parents were away.

Op Herrick 18 was 2 RTR’s final operational tour ahead of the merger with 1st Royal Tank Regiment in August 2014.

Elements of 2 RTR have deployed over ten times in the past eight years.