Brave soldiers returned yesterday (Wednesday) from a harrowing tour of duty in Afghanistan to an emotional reunion with loved ones.

Territorial Army troops were today at home preparing to return to civilian jobs after six months dodging land mines, open fire and suicide bombers.

Two Bracknell boys were reunited with family after serving in conflict zone Helmand Province.

Riflemen David McMullen, 23, and Jamie MacGregor, 31, made it back to headquarters in Reading with only minor injuries.

Dad-of-two Jamie, who lives in Priestwood, said: “It was very challenging out there, not exactly what I was expecting.

“It was really scary at times. The worst thing was the land mines and suicide bombers.

“I don’t think I want to go back there. I would go on another tour, but not Afghanistan.

“I’m so glad to be home so I can see my family. It’s what has kept me going.”

Jamie was deployed, along with his fellow soldiers in Salonika Company, to re-take the former Taliban stronghold town of Musa Qaleh.

Both soldiers are trying to focus on what they will do next. Former Garth Hill College pupil David, who works at LloydsTSB in Wokingham, said: “I think the last six months have had a real impact on me. You learn a lot about yourself out there.

“Now I think I am going to have some time off, go on holiday, see my family and then I will go back to work. It’s going to be weird having time off after such a busy six months.”

David, who lives with his mum Anna in Meadow Way, will undergo keyhole surgery on his knee after he injured ligaments on tour.

Anna, who works at Bracknell Library, said: “I am so proud of him and absolutely thrilled to have him back in one piece.

“It just makes me think of other mothers elsewhere. I hope he doesn’t go back out there – it has been hard without him.”

Both soldiers were awarded the Isaf medal, given out when a Territorial Army soldier returns from their first tour, and the Herrick medal, for service in Afghanistan.