Prince Charles in York for memorial service to fallen troops

Around 600 military personnel, dignitaries and many relatives of those who died packed York Minster for a Service of Memorial and Thanksgiving.

The 4th Mechanized Brigade returned from a six-month tour of Helmand in October.

Charles was joined at the service by Defence Secretary Liam Fox, Chief of the General Staff General Sir Peter Wall, and military representatives of other nations serving alongside the British in Afghanistan.

As the names of 72 soldiers, Marines and other personnel were read out, the Minster's bell tolled.

Singer Russell Watson also performed during the service.

More than 150 relatives of injured or bereaved service personnel were among the congregation.

They will later be hosted at Imphal Barracks in Fulford, York, along with the Prince and other guests.

The 4th Mechanized Brigade was 6,500 strong for its deployment as Task Force Helmand.

Most of its component units, including The Royal Dragoon Guards and The Queen's Royal Lancers, are based at Catterick.

But other units which made up the brigade are based elsewhere in the UK, including 40 Commando Royal Marines, based in Taunton; 1st Battalion, The Mercian Regiment, based in Cheshire; and 1st Battalion, The Royal Regiment of Scotland, The Royal Scots Borderers, based in Edinburgh.

The Reverend Benjamin Abeledo, senior chaplain to 4th Mechanized Brigade, paid tribute to the fallen.

He said: "We have gathered today in this house to give thanks for all who have served in Afghanistan with 4th Mechanized Brigade, and especially to honour and remember before God those who have died in the course of their duties.

"We thank God for courage shown in the midst of intense conflict and for loyalty and service given to our nation."

The hymn I Vow To Thee, My Country was sung and The Last Post performed.

A piper from 1st Battalion Scots Guards played The Lament: Flowers of the Forest.

Charles, who is Colonel in Chief of several regiments represented at today's service, was dressed in a grey suit with a Royal Dragoon Guards tie. He was also wearing several lapel badges.

Later, Charles met bereaved families at Imphal Barracks in Fulford, York.

Brigadier Mike Griffiths, Colonel of The Duke of Lancaster's Regiment, lost his son during the tour.

Captain Andrew Griffiths, 25, of the 2nd Battalion the Duke of Lancaster's, died from his injuries after an explosion.

He and his colleagues were trying to clear a compound when he was injured by an improvised explosive device (IED). He died from his injuries on September 5.

His father said: "I think it is hugely important to remember and recognise the sacrifice of all those who died during the tour.

"I'm here as a father who lost his son. My regiment lost six soldiers, he was one of the six."

He said it was fitting today's service was attended by the Prince of Wales.

"His sons both served, his youngest served in Helmand. He knows this is every parent's worst nightmare, he would have had sleepless nights."

Commenting on his son, described by senior Army officers and comrades as "a lion of a man", Brig Griffiths added: "He always wanted to join the Army. He wanted to join the infantry as he thought that was where leadership was required.

He said his son's experiences "tested him to the full" but he was passionate about what he was doing and the progress being made.

"He loved his job and he loved leading soldiers. I'm immensely proud of the job he did and the soldiers he led."

Teresa Walker, who lost her son Davey Walker, 37, in February, said it was important the Prince of Wales attended today's service.

Ms Walker, from Catterick, North Yorkshire, said: "It was an emotional day for me and it was important that the prince was there.

"It was a very moving service and it was a special day for me. Davey was a lovely lad, always smiling and joking. He loved his job and he loved the Army."

Lance Sergeant Walker served with the 1st Battalion Scots Guards and was the first soldier killed on the tour.

Defence Secretary Liam Fox said: "I thought it was a very beautiful service.

"It was a very moving service for me, it must have been all the more moving for those families who have lost loved ones."

"I think it is important for the families to know that their loved one were engaged in something that is vastly improving the quality of life for people who otherwise had no hope."

He said troops were in Afghanistan for the UK's national security and to ensure the country did not become a failed state.

"We don't want it to be a vacuum into which terrorism and insurgency can be drawn again," he added. "What we are doing is good for our security and it is good for the people of Afghanistan and for the wider region."