Soldier returns home to meet his new-born son

A SOLDIER came face-to-face for the first time with his new-born son yesterday after returning from Afghanistan.

Sapper Martyn Coe was welcomed home by 14-week-old Finlay as the serviceman was reunited with his wife Lauren.

He had missed Finlay’s birth because he was on duty with 3 Armoured Engineer Squadron, 22 Engineer Regiment.

Sapper Coe was among 100 members of the Squadron returning to their barracks at Tidworth, Wiltshire, after a four-month tour supporting British and Afghan troops in Helmand province.

The Squadron was deployed to Afghanistan in May and was attached to 24 Engineer Regiment (Commando), normally based in Chivenor, Devon.

Their work has involved building new camps and refurbishing existing camps, including the provision of electricity, sanitation and water to these remote locations.