Army major united with baby son for first time upon returning from Afghanistan

December 14, 2009 by Shawn Douglas
Filed under: News

Army Major William Waugh and the other soldiers of EGYPT returned to the UK from Afghanistan, reuniting with loved ones.

As the 88 members of the military unit EGYPT reunited with family and friends, Major William Waugh embraced his ten-day-old son, Harry, for the first time.

“It’s wonderful,” Major Waugh told the Telegraph. “It’s pretty amazing to see my son for the first time. I feel very emotional at the moment.”

“I’ve only seen four photos of Harry but he looks pretty lovely,” he added.

Major Waugh’s wife, Georgina, arrived with baby Harry and the couples two other children: Oliver, aged three-and-a-half, and Charlie, aged two.

“I’ve been writing everyday on email and he’s been phoning once every six or seven days,” said Georgina Waugh. “He was absolutely ecstatic when Harry was born — I was due to be induced the next morning.”

“I got a call to him at camp Bastion at about 4:30 a.m. their time. Someone got him out of bed. He could barely speak he was so excited.”

The members of EGYPT arrived at Tidworth garrison in the early morning hours after conducting six-month tour of Afghanistan. The unit was comprised of soldiers from the Viking Armoured Vehicle Group, and it played a key role in Operation Panther’s Claw, supporting three different battle groups, protecting supply lines and disrupting insurgent activities.

The unit saw some of the most intense battles in the new conflict, losing three members in the process. Trooper Josh Hammond, Corporal Lee Scott and Trooper Brett Hall were killed in two separate incidents related to roadside bombs.

In a prepared statement made before the troops return, Major Waugh stated: “Although we are a small, independent sub-unit EGYPT has remained tight-knit, aggressive and robust despite its comparatively high losses. Camaraderie and black humor has seen it through its darkest days.”

“The Squadron has taken the fight to the enemy at every opportunity and has been highly praised by the battle groups they have fought alongside. The men shall have time to reflect on their achievements and to mourn their fallen comrades before taking some well earned leave over Christmas and New Year.”