THE importance of recognising the contribution of soldiers serving in Iraq was highlighted at a Government House reception yesterday to welcome back Islanders who have just returned.

Paying tribute to five sappers from the Jersey Field Squadron who recently spent six months just outside Basra, Lieutenant Governor Andrew Ridgway said that he was very proud of them and of the Jersey Field Squadron for their record of service there.

Those whose contribution was mark-ed yesterday were Grant Feltham, Daniel Tucker, Kevin Quénault, Ashley McDonald and Daniel Clark. Parents and friends also attended, as did Chief Minister Frank Walker and Home Affairs Minister Wendy Kinnard.

The other sapper who served in Iraq during this tour of duty, Jon Stodart, could not be present. Gen Ridgway said that it was important that the contribution of these young men was fully recognised. Those reservists had spent six months in Iraq where the peace was proving to be harder to win than the war.

• Picture:  From left: Sapper Ashley McDonald, Sapper Kevin Quénault, Valerie Ridgway, Gen Andrew Ridgway, Sapper Daniel Clark, Sapper Daniel Tucker and Sapper Grant Feltham