The casualties from the Iraq war, now in its 12th day, were flown into Exeter airport in Devonshire in the west of England on Sunday night after a seven-hour flight from Cyprus, where Britain maintains two military bases.

Ambulances and National Health Service (NHS) personnel were on hand for the arrival of the wounded troops, 10 of whom were allowed to rejoin their families, the spokesman said.

Twenty-five British servicemen have died in the war, the latest being a Royal Marine who died of his wounds after the river launch in which he was traveling was ambushed on the Fao peninsula.

Of the 25 dead, a total of 14 died in two helicopter accidents, six in combat and five as a result of "friendly fire" incidents.

WAR.WIRE