MORE than 100 Gurkha soldiers have returned to a barracks in Kent having been involved in fierce fighting in the Helmand province of Afghanistan.

Their commander, Major Dan Rex, said British forces haven’t experienced such ferocious close up fighting since the Second World War.

The Gurkhas, from Sir John Moore Barracks in Shorncliffe, Folkestone, were deployed as part of Britain’s role in the international security force.

He said: "We certainly lost a few of our nine lives in our time there. This type of fighting hasn’t been seen since the Second World War. This was fierce, close up fighting.

"Every man stepped up the mark and did a fantastic job. There were acts of courage from many of the soldiers. I have immense pride in my men who fought magnificently."

There were 110 Gurkha soldiers deployed to Afghanistan and all returned. They, however, inflicted heavy casualties on the Taliban.

The Major said: "Someone is looking down on us and it’s also down to the skills of these soldiers."

The order to raise a company of Gurkhas to go to the Helmand province in April this year was given in December 2005. This gave just a short time to prepare the troops.

One of their biggest battles was in the town of Nawzad where the Gurkhas were protecting a police station.

Major Rex said: "The town was emptied of civilians, they were forced out and the Taliban came in and took control. There was an eerie period when we sensed a calm before a storm. The Taliban were working out our positions and weapons and response.

"On the 12th of July we had a heavy period of several battles, which lasted one to six hours."

* FOR MORE ON THIS STORY SEE THE KENTISH EXPRESS (OCTOBER 19).