Katharine Barnard’s husband, John, is serving a seven-month tour of Afghanistan.

Her sons, Ethan, nine, and Cole, seven, become anxious when he is away. “They both get very upset, but my eldest becomes very quiet and he worries an awful lot,” she said.

They are hoping to see John in Dubai on his mid-tour break, but this will come in term time.

“People don’t realise if we don’t go to Dubai, the kids won’t see their dad until June. The Navy is very good, but sometimes the schools could be more supportive when it comes to giving kids time off during term time.”