It was a glimpse of how things could be in a changed Northern Ireland – uniformed soldiers roaming around on a civilian ferry, one element of a diverse society.

Despite the brutally early departure of the Stenaline fastcraft from Stranraer to Larne yesterday, following a six-hour drive from the Midlands, many of the TA Royal Irish stayed awake, chatting or eating in the canteen.

The soldiers were "demob happy" in the original sense of that term – experiencing the sort of contentment that Second World War troops felt at the end of a long period of service.

These relaxed scenes would be unremarkable in most normal societies – where there is appreciation of those who put on a uniform to serve their community.

In England, for example, soldiers can leave the transport hub RAF Brize Norton and travel on trains or buses wearing uniform.

But even in England anti-war feeling has led to some members of the public confronting soldiers.

In Northern Ireland the history of the Troubles meant that ugly scenes were much more likely.

But early yesterday – perhaps because it was so early – soldiers were allowed to wear uniforms on a substitute travel route after flights were unavailable.

The Larne to Stranraer ferries have seen every element of life in Northern Ireland, including pitched sectarian battles between Rangers and Celtic fans.

But yesterday ferry travellers, including German and English visitors, seemed entirely untroubled at the presence of mingling soldiers.

Standing amid this calm, company commander Major Mark Hudson reacted naturally to the historic nature of the ferry trip.

The soldiers were glad to be home at the end of a demanding but rewarding tour, he told the News Letter, and they were looking forward to the homecoming parades.

The very fact that such marches have been agreed is another suggestion of increased normality in Northern Ireland.