Service for war dead

Soldiers from 19 Light Brigade and relatives of those who died in action packed the historic medieval cathedral to pay their respects.

During their seven-month tour on Operation Telic 9 the brigade succeeded in handing over responsibility for security to the governor of Maysaan province and four bases to the 10th Division of the Iraqi Army.

But it came at a great cost, with 26 killed in action and more than 130 wounded.

Today the congregation heard from the brigades commander Brigadier Tim Evans.

He said the sacrifices had not been in vain and he paid tribute to the professionalism and courage of his soldiers.

As well as a memorial service he said todays service was also a thanksgiving, adding: To celebrate our return from one of the most demanding periods of sustained operations experienced by our brigade in some years.

He went on: We knew before we went it would not be easy but as soldiers we do not get to choose our operations.

The enemy were determined to make their mark but we were never going to be beaten.

The brigadier said his soldiers took the fight to the enemy, adding: We can be justifiably proud of the extraordinary achievements made in Iraq.

During the hour-long service the names of the fallen were read out as the Minster bell was rung 26 times.

The Reverend Tim Cole, senior chaplain of 19 Light Brigade, read an act of thanksgiving and commitment.

He said: Let us now give thanks at the end of this long, challenging and successful tour for all that has been achieved on Operation Telic 9; for the safe return of so many of the brigade; for all the successes against the insurgency; for all the steps forward taken by the Iraqi people towards provincial Iraqi control; and most of all for the courage and toughness and professionalism of our soldiers who have seen this tour through to the end and emerged with their own reputation and that of the Army they serve intact.