Soldier returns from Iraq for a tour of baby duty

From the Wiltshire Times, first published Friday 27th Jan 2006.

A SOLDIER returning from service in Iraq had a very special present awaiting delivery when he got home.

Howard Roger, 36, of Bowerhill, Melksham, was on a six-month tour of duty with the Territorial Army, while his wife Fiona, 39, was pregnant.

"It was definitely something to look forward to coming home for," he said.

Baby Abbie was born in Trowbridge hospital on Monday.

As Mr Roger only returned to the UK at the end of November it meant he was away in one of the world's most dangerous regions for most of the pregnancy.

For his wife it was an anxious time. She said: "I was very worried about Howard, I avoided watching the news because I didn't want to hear what was happening in Iraq.

"I kept myself busy and just tried to get on with things."

Mr Roger's regular job is in the environmental services department at Wiltshire County Council, so serving with the Royal Rifle Volunteers at Basra air station was a rather different experience.

"It was physically very demanding, especially because of the heat," he said.

"We were in some very dangerous places where roadside bombs were often going off."

He said the hardest thing about re-adjusting to life back in Britain after six months in the Middle East has been getting used to the cold weather.

The couple have two other children, Sam, 14 and Ellie, 19 months.

Mr Roger is now looking forward to a relaxing time with his family before returning to work next month.

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