SOLDIERS returned to the scene of one of their regiment's most famous engagements - and almost ended up fighting it again.

Members of the Green Howards had travelled to the Ukraine to visit the nineteenth century battlefields of the Crimean War.

But they ended up under guard in a modern military barracks after being arrested by a unit from the Ukrainian army.

The 12-strong group, including Colonel of the Regiment, Brigadier John Powell, were retracing the Green Howards' path in the Crimean war, taking in the sites of the battles on Alma and Inkerman.

While on a ridge overlooking the Inkerman battle field, they were arrested by Ukrainian soldiers.

The group was taken to a military barracks and held in the guardroom as arguments raged. Some 45 minutes later the party was released and was able to continue its tour.

The curator of the Green Howards Museum in Richmond, Major Roger Chapman, was among those arrested and said he was still baffled as to why.

"We must have gone too close to some sensitive military spot - that's all we could think of. I couldn't help but think of the British plane-spotters arrested in Greece."