SOLDIERS serving in Iraq have sent Valentine's Day messages home to their sweethearts, and a musical video of their life in Iraq.
Troops from the 1st Battalion Mercian Regiment (Cheshire) were on patrol in Baghdad and so couldn't treat their loved-ones to the romantic meal, flowers or chocolates that many couples across the region were enjoying.
Instead, they penned love notes from the front line which they you can see here. Some of the soldiers from the regiment's A Company posed with a giant Valentine under the famous crossed swords Hands of Victory monument in the centre of the Iraqi capital.
The Mercian Regiment is a regional `super regiment' which was formed in September from the 22nd Cheshire Regiment together with the Staffordshire Regiment and Worcestershire and Sherwood Foresters. They are undertaking their first tour of duty in Iraq and are due to return home in June. Many of them will return on a short rest and relaxation (R&R) visit before then.
Soldiers from 1st Battalion Mercian Regiment (Cheshire) A Company filmed a video which they sent home for their loved ones to enjoy. The nine-minute film - including out-takes - shows them singing along to Queen's I Want to Break Free as they go about their daily chores.
Click on the video window to see the film ...
Messages:
Sgt Danny Daley, Cheadle, former Kingsway School pupil: "To Terry, R and R can't come quick enough. Keep on multi tasking doll. Lots of love, Danny."
CSgt Gary Parker, Stockport, former Avondale School pupil: "Corrine, always thinking of you. Happy Valentines. Love Gary."
Cpl Andrew Evans, Stockport, former Kingsway School pupil: "To Wendy. Sorry I can't be there to be your Valentine but I will make it up to you on R and R xxxx."
Pte Stuart Cartwright, Offerton, former Offerton High School pupil: "To Sadie, missing you. Have a Happy Valentines and see you soon. Love Stuart."
Pte Matthew Duff, Offerton, former Offerton High School pupil: "Shame we can't be together on the day. I miss you badly. I love you so much."
Pte David Andrew Evans, Hazel Grove, former Hazel Grove High School pupil: "Shame we can't be together on this day Princess, I miss you so much. Love you always xxx."
Pte Paul Brooksbank, Oldham, former Kaskenmoor High School pupil: "To Claire, love you loads, missing you like mad and not long now. Love you, Brookie."
LCpl Roy Evens, Stockport, former Avondale High School pupil: "To Sophie. Happy Valentines Day. Love you loads, Roy."
Pte Liam Somerville, Stockport, former Offerton High School pupil: "To Jade, Happy Valentines Day, love you loads and not long `til I am back with you xxx."
Pte Mark Fitspatrick, Stockport, former St James High School pupil: "To Sarah, Happy Valentines Day, wish I was there with you. Miss you."
Pte Daniel Roscoe, Heald Green, former Kingsway School pupil: "Tilly, can't wait to come home and see you. Love you. Happy Valentines Day Babe XXXX."
CSgt Adam Rooney, Stockport, former Reddish Vale School pupil: "Happy Valentines Day to Nicky"
