Last out - trooper home safe from Iraq

WELCOME home . . . Ashley Bostock, bottom centre, is reunited with dad Peter mum Sharon and brother Lewis (13

A ROYTON trooper has spoken of his pride at being in the last British squadron to serve in Iraq.

Senior Aircraftman (SAC) Ashley Bostock was part of 15 Squadron RAF Regiment that was given a hero’s welcome on arriving back to Britain to an emotional reunion with family and friends.

The 23-year-old served for four-months in Basra, protecting personnel and aircraft and deterring the enemy from attacking.

There had been 20 rocket attacks a week on their base but this was reduced to none once his regiment moved in.

But danger still lurked with the troops on constant guard for explosives or snipers.

In one incident a truck carrying steel came hurtling towards the troops and toppled over, narrowly missing them.

Ashley said: “The good thing is that it shows we have really done our job. There were no rocket attacks at all. We did not come under fire once. In my eyes we did our job brilliantly.

“We were the last ones out of Iraq and that makes me really proud. We are part of history now

“It was quite risky. There were times when I was worried.

“When we first got there everyone was worried but you adapt and the training kicks in.”

British efforts to befriend the Iraqi people were a success and Ashley helped the locals — especially anxious children with whom he made friends and gave food.

He said: “We had lots of contact with Iraqi people. We wanted to reassure them that when we pulled out they will be all right with the Americans.

“They relied on us and gave us gifts and were worried about us going but we reassured them everything will be OK.

“We have done our job well there and have helped the Iraqi people to be independent. We respected the people , they have come a long way and really helped themselves.”

The former North Chadderton School pupil only signed up to the RAF two years ago and it was his first deployment after 32 weeks of basic training.

The former electrician said: “I wanted to better myself and see the world and try to make a difference.

“It’s a different world out there. You never get used to the heat. I was a bit homesick but if you were ever down the lads would say something. It’s strange, but it’s nice to be home.”

His anxious family were regularly kept up to date with his exploits by phone calls and his Facebook page.

Mum Sharon said: “We are very proud of him being one of the last troops coming out. Even though you know it’s the latter part and it’s fairly peaceful you are still worried for his safety.”

Dad Peter said: “We are just happy he’s home and dead proud. I’m proud of all the servicemen and the job they are doing. I don’t think the lads get the respect they deserve.”

Ashley could still be called up in the next two months but will then undertake sniper training and will be sent to Afghanistan next year.

Quentin Davies, Minister for Defence, Equipment and Support, said British people should be proud of the troops’ efforts and the whole country owes them a debt of gratitude.

He added: “We are pulling out of Iraq with our heads held high, having undertaken a very demanding but successful operation. We are handing over to a government that is stable.”