Hundreds remember fallen on Helmand tour

Lib Dem Armed Forces Minister Nick Harvey led dignitaries who attended the ceremony yesterday for members of the British Army and the Royal Marines who served in the warzone during a six-month tour of duty, code named Operation Herrick 14.

Around 650 soldiers and Royal Marines marched through the centre of Exeter, in front of cheering crowds, before more than 1,000 servicemen and women and their families attended the service at the city’s cathedral.

They remembered the 23 British and allied troops killed during the operation in Helmand Province, as well as the 96 Afghan police officers and 17 Afghan soldiers who lost their lives.

Brigadier Ed Davis OBE, the commander of Task Force Helmand, told the gathered service personnel he was “humbled” by their actions.

“Irrespective of rank or cap badge, each person played their part in full and achieved something very special: hope for a safer world and confidence in a brighter future,” he said.

“We owe them all our endless gratitude and respect.

“The names of those who gave their lives, and the wounded, will be indelibly marked on our souls forever.

“Their sacrifice will not be forgotten and will forever be an inspiration to us all.”

The parade saw involve members of Plymouth-based 42 Commando Royal Marines, 30 Commando Royal Marines and 29 Commando Regiment Royal Artillery; 24 Commando Engineer Regiment and Commando Logistics Regiment based at Chivenor in north Devon, Chepstow-based 1st Battalion The Rifles (1 Rifles), plus elements of 7 Armoured Brigade, 101 Logistics Brigade and 45 Commando Royal Marines.

Hundreds of people lined Exeter high street to cheer the troops as they passed.

The service was followed by a private ceremony at the Royal Marines’ training base at Lympstone in east Devon.