THEY'RE back safe! After seven long hot and arduous months Hampshire troops have finally made the journey out of war-torn Iraq.

Exhausted, but obviously consumed with sheer delight, they arrived back at their German barracks by the coachload.

More than 500 soldiers were flown out of war-torn Iraq where they have played a vital role in peacekeeping since April.

As I greeted them in Paderborn it seeemed only a few weeks since I had watched them making final preparations for their operational tour, Op Telic8.

Ask any squaddie here at Barker barracks - the home of the 1st Battalion Princess of Wales Royal Regiment - and to them the start of the tour is a distant memory because so much has happened since.

Still wearing their desert kit they have lived in throughout their time in Iraq, they are trying to return to normal.

Apart from their bodyclocks, the jetlag, not being on continuous duty and not being under the daily threat of mortar and rocket attacks, their biggest adjustment now is getting reacclimatised to the chilly temperatures.

Cold and dreary, it has barely topped 5C (41F) all day and as every soldier spent yesterday afternoon preparing and practising for today's Italian medal parade, they were greeted by something they have been starved of throughout their tour - pouring rain.

But even the dismal conditions are not enough to wipe the smiles from the faces of these men. They are simply delighted to be back.

As coaches pulled up each day this week, small groups of wives, girlfriends and children have gathered, waiting anxiously to see them return.

For many it was an emotional reunion with the loved ones they had left behind and for a few it was the first treasured moment when they were able to meet new baby sons and daughters who had been born while they were away.

In what is known within the army as a period of "decompression" the entire week has been spent maintaining an element of daily routine and duties for the soldiers.

Although it has been more relaxed, there has still been morning runs and daily parades in a bid to slowly ease the guys back to normality.

It has also been the first time that the Tigers have been able to indulge in an alcoholic drink.

After being "gated", or kept inside the perimeter of their barracks for the first night home, they have been able to enjoy a night on the town.

For many it has been the chance to reunite with families and move back into the homes they now have in Paderborn.

But for many more they are still waiting until they are officially dismissed on leave, which will happen this weekend, when they can fly back to their homes and loved ones in Hampshire and across the south coast.

It has been a tough seven months for the Tigers and it will take some time for their memories to fade.

A door slamming, a car backfiring, an alarm sounding or sirens blaring makes them momentarily jump and reach for their body armour and helmets which they have never let leave their side. It had become a way of life in Iraq.

Within seconds the reality sets in and they are able to share a laugh.

Today during a special ceremony, the entire battalion will celebrate their efforts and the remarkable feat that after more than half a year in one of the world's most troubled and dangerous countries, each and every one of them has returned home.