Troops remember fallen comrades 16.11.11
20Hundreds of British troops remembered their fallen comrades who were killed in Afghanistan at a special service of remembrance today. Lib Dem Armed Forces Minister Nick Harvey led dignitaries who attended the ceremony 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. There 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 killed. Lieutenant Colonel James de Labilliere, commanding officer of 1st Battalion The Rifles, said: "The support we have just received in Exeter has been tremendous. There are many things that motivate us for what we do in Afghanistan, but knowing there is a strong family base and an area like Exeter, which has given us the support it has provided, is a really strong part of keeping us doing what we do. "I think today's service is going to be one of mixed emotions, first and foremost a remembrance service for the five riflemen who have given their lives over the course of the tour. But also in a way a celebration and an offering of thanks for the support we have had for the operation over the summer." The parade included 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 1 RIFLES, plus elements of 7 Armoured Brigade, 101 Logistics Brigade and 45 Commando Royal Marines.