APRIL 4: WILTSHIRE families are finding it harder to cope the longer their loved ones are away.

Mellisa McFarlane, 32, admits she is one of the lucky ones because she regularly receives emails from her husband, David, who is based at the American headquarters in Qatar.

Corporal McFarlane, 33, is serving with the 1st Royal Tank Regiment who specialise in nuclear, biological and chemical protection.

He left Warminster more than a month ago but Mrs McFarlane, and daughter Shannara, five, have not seen him since January.

"Before he went he was training so I didn't see him, but I receive an email every couple of days," said Mrs McFarlane. "It's nice to know he's alright but a lot goes through your mind when you're not talking.

"It's the silly little things that become significant and are blown out of proportion when I can't talk them over with him."

Cpl McFarlane served in the Gulf War in 1991 where he guarded ammunition supplies.

"He was out there for longer than he expected and went missing at one stage," said Mrs McFarlane.

"He was travelling on a boat which was diverted somewhere else and he was dropped in the middle of a bombing range.

"Nobody knew where he was for a while but luckily he was found.

"He had mixed feelings about going back this time but realised he had a job to do."

The Warminster couple, who have been married for 10 years, may not be reunited for several months.

Mrs McFarlane said: "I watch the news on television to see if anything has changed. I keep waiting for the next big thing or news that it is nearly over."

Another couple paying close attention to the news are Peter, 48, and Kathryn Medlycott, 47, whose daughter, Lisa, 26, is serving in Iraq with the RAF.

She left for the Middle East in January and has only been able to contact her parents once.

Mr Medlycott said: "We heard from her about a week and a half ago and she sounded okay. We are worried about her, but she stressed that she was being fed well.

"I'm very proud of her because it's something she always wanted to do.

"She originally wanted to be in the Navy but was too short to get in."

Cpl Medlycott, who is based at RAF Odiham in Hampshire, has been serving since she was 17 and has a five-year-old son, William.

Mr Medlycott said: "My wife is looking after their son in Hampshire because we didn't want to take him out of school, so I'm left without her as well."

Special telephone lines and support groups have been set up for friends and family left at home whilst their loved ones serve in the war.

These include designated welfare officers, the Army Welfare Service, the Army Families Federation and the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association.