You've been in Basra 6 months (ie since Nov 04 - away for Xmas), during which time you've worked watch-on, stop -on most of the time, with sand everywhere, living in accom. that UK farmers could not keep a pig in.
While you've been there you had the locals chucking their RPGs at you, detonating IEDs by the roadside, and generally being charming. You've probably been counting the minutes til you land and see wife+ kids/girlfriend/boyfriend since the day you arrived (and so have they)
And then you and the missus get given the run-around for two days - and are expected to be gracious with it.
Can't say I blame the lads at all - even if the spares situation is down to "budget issues".