Private Andrew Troup of 1st Battalion The Yorkshire Regiment has been recognised in front of his battalion, friends and family for his courage during a battle with the Taliban in Afghanistan, courage for which he received a Mention in Despatches.

Pte Troup was on patrol with soldiers from the Afghan National Army when they came under attack from the Taliban. Some of the inexperienced Afghan soldiers fled to cover. His MiD citation then reads: "Despite heavy fire Private Troup broke cover, sprinting to where they had gone to ground. Through strength of character, a powerful and

courageous display of determination - brought them back into the fight. This single act of bravery allowed the Afghans to regain composure and have the will to fight."

Private Troup said of the parade at the Battalion's base in Germany: "It's great getting my Iraq medal today and having my MiD read out and recognised in front of the Battalion."

Well done, Andrew!

MoD: 1 YORKS soldier honoured for bravery in Afghanistan
The Yorkshire Regiment: 1st Battalion Medal parade

Soldiers back from Afghanistan and Iraq were welcomed home on Saturday by a cheering crowd of thousands as they marched through the streets of Canterbury.
More than 200 troops from the 1st Battalion the Princess of Wales' Royal Regiment (1 PWRR) took part in the eighth and final march in a series of homecoming parades they have taken part in over the past week.

Led by the Regiment's red-coated Kohima Band, the soldiers marched through the cathedral city's cobbled streets as crowds cheered and waved banners and Union flags to welcome them home.

Soldiers from 1 PWRR, known as the Tigers, were the last to serve in Basra having returned at the end of May, whilst another contingent returned from Afghanistan earlier this year.

Private Colin White and Private Daniel Hudson, both 19 and from Canterbury, received operational tour medals in recognition of services in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Well done, the Tigers! Well done, Canterbury!

The Telegraph: Soldiers back from Afghanistan and Iraq cheered by thousands

150 soldiers from 158 (Royal Anglian) Transport Regiment, Royal Logistic Corps (Volunteers), will march through Peterborough city centre at a parade on Saturday, July 25th.

As it will be a Freedom of the City parade, the TA troops will march with fixed bayonets to the sound of drums from the

Band of the Royal Anglian Regiment.

The Regiment was awarded the Freedom of the City of Peterborough in March 2001.

Peterborough Telegraph: Volunteer soldiers to march through Peterborough

Staff Sergeant Andrew McFarlane is serving in Afghanistan. He wrote this poem after hearing of the deaths of eight fellow soldiers.

Sunset Vigil

We stand alone, and yet as one
In the fading light of a setting sun
We've all gathered to say goodbye
To our fallen comrade who's set to fly

The eulogy's read about their life
Sometimes with words from pals or wife
We all know when the CO's done
What kind of soldier they'd become

The padre then calls us all to pray
The bugler has Last Post to play
The cannon roars and belches flame
We will recall, with pride, their name

A minute's silence stood in place
As tears roll down the hardest face
Deafening silence fills the air
With each of us in personal prayer

Reveille sounds and the parade is done
The hero remembered, forgotten by none
They leave to start the journey back
In a coffin draped in the Union Jack

The Art Fund, the UK's leading independent art charity, continues its tour of Steve McQueen's Queen and Country by showing the work at Wolverhampton Art Gallery over the summer as British troops return from Iraq. The work will be on display from Saturday 18 July until Saturday 26 September 2009.

Nearly 19,000 people have now signed the petition to see Steve McQueen's work realised as official postage stamps.

If you would like to find out more about "Queen and Country" or sign the petition visit www.artfund.org/queenandcountry

Sergeant Dave Wilkinson from 19 Regiment Royal Artillery was killed in southern Afghanistan on Sunday 1st July 2007.

Sgt Wilkinson was on patrol with the Afghan National Army in Gereshk, Helmand province when his vehicle was hit by an IED.

His CO said: "Sergeant Wilkinson excelled as a soldier. Clearly passionate about his trade, he contributed widely to the Regiment and was held in the highest regard by all those who knew him; his selfless nature and wry wit made him extremely popular."

His friend Darren Lincoln said: "Having known Dave for many years, he made an impression on everyone he met. With his professionalism and friendly manner, he was liked by everyone he came into contact with. Dave, you were my work colleague but most of all you were my friend. You will be missed."

MoD:Sergeant Dave Wilkinson from 19 Regiment Royal Artillery killed in Afghanistan

Corporal Peter Thorpe and Lance Corporal Jabron Hashmi from the 3rd Para Battlegroup were killed in Sangin, Afghanistan on 1st July 2006.

Cpl Thorpe's CO said: "Corporal Thorpe was a highly motivated, talented and tremendously popular soldier who constantly inspired those around him whatever the situation. A gifted instructor, he had acquired a huge range of military skills and qualifications and was happiest when passing on this knowledge".

L/Cpl Hashmi's CO said: "Enthusiastic, confident and immensely popular, Lance Corporal Hashmi displayed all the qualities of a first class soldier. His enthusiasm for the role he had been given was simply outstanding. He was brimming with confidence and hugely keen to take part in all the training prior to the operation."

MoD: Corporal Peter Thorpe and Lance Corporal Jabron Hashmi killed in Afghanistan

For too long campaigners have been urging that some tangible, permanent recognition be awarded to the families of servicemen and women who have given their lives in the service of their country; today the Queen has approved a new medal that will do just that.

It was back in 2007 that the Mirror launched its "Honour the Brave" campaign for the awarding of a special medal to soldiers killed or wounded in battle in Iraq and Afghanistan.

By early 2008 the campaign had the backing of politicians and the top brass - only the MoD opposed it and were accused of dragging their feet

Now, almost two years later, it has been agreed that the Elizabeth Cross and an accompanying scroll will be awarded to the families of those who have died in conflicts since 1945 in recognition of the debt the nation owes them.

Sadly, as seems so often to be the case, the wounded continue to be ignored.

Servicemen wounded during WW1 & WW2 received the "wounded stripe". The US awards her wounded a Purple Heart medal. But those members of Britain's Armed Forces who are wounded on the battlefield - often seriously, their lives shattered - will not be receiving an Elizabeth Cross. This omission needs to be rectified.

The Mirror: Victory for our heroes
BBC: New Queen's award for forces dead
AquilaVictrix: Honour The Brave - medal campaign - EDM95
The Mirror: MoD drags feet over medals call`

Captain Sean Dolan MSM of the 1st Battalion, The Worcestershire and Sherwood Foresters Regiment was killed in Afghanistan on Saturday 30th June 2007. Captain Dolan died from wounds received from a mortar round during on operations in the Sangin Valley area of Helmand.

His CO said: "He was the complete man and an unsurpassed military talent. Strong, intelligent and immensely fit, he was the consummate professional and had a work ethic that served as a model for everyone who was privileged enough to serve with him........If ever anyone in our generation was the epitome of the Worcester Forester, FIRM to the end, it was Sean Dolan. A great man and so sorely missed."

MoD: Captain Sean Dolan killed in Afghanistan
Lasting Tribute: Sean Dolan

Warrant Officer Class 2 Michael Williams of 2nd Battalion The Parachute Regiment and Private Joe Whittaker from 4th Battalion The Parachute Regiment were killed in Afghanistan on Tuesday 24th June 2008.

WO2 Williams was killed during a firefight against the Taliban in the Upper Sangin Valley.

His CO said: "Mark Williams was a rock and a constant, when the situation was swirling around him he would be found level headed and down to earth, able to cut through the cloud of uncertainty and doubt."

Lance Corporal Gary Houldsworth said: "...he was funny, outgoing, courageous, strong and an all-round outstanding commander to work for. He lived and died loving his job. He was so proud to be a Paratrooper and so proud to be doing his job in Afghanistan".


Private Whittaker, a reserve soldier who was attached to 2PARA was killed by an IED.

His CO said: "Even at such a young age he displayed all of the attributes specific to men of The Regiment, and we are proud to have known him and to have stood alongside him. Today, a good soul has left us, and he will be greatly missed. We, his brothers who are left, will never forget him."
His friend Private Steven Fisher said: "Joe and I had become close friends. He was great for morale, always upbeat and optimistic, and he approached all tasks with verve and enthusiasm. The thing that always impressed me about Joe was his desire to be the best soldier he could be."

MoD: Warrant Officer Class 2 Michael Norman Williams and Private Joe John Whittaker killed in Afghanistan

Drummer Thomas Wright from the 1st Battalion The Worcestershire and Sherwood Foresters Regiment, was killed near Lashkar Gah in Afghanistan on Sunday 24th June 2007.

Drummer Wright was killed when his 'Snatch' land rover was hit by an IED.

His CO said: ""His courage and professionalism serve as a reminder of the commitment of young soldiers across Afghanistan, who set a fine example to the Armies of the World and to whom society owes a huge debt."

His friend Lance Corporal Les Barker, said: "'Wrighty', words can not describe this soldier. As a friend he was a cheerful person, always laughing, joking and professional in every way. He loved the Army, always striving to be better than everyone else- if there was a ragging or joke being played, he was always in the middle of it. He will be sorely missed by all of his mates."

MoD: Drummer Thomas Wright killed in Afghanistan

Southend in Essex will have the privilege of having CGS General Sir Richard Dannatt to take the salute at their Armed Forces Day celebrations.

The General will join veterans and serving soldiers parading on Southend High Street as part of the event, which will also

include an aerial display by the Red Arrows, survival of fittest, masterchef and tug-of-war competitions and military bands.

Veterans and town officials attended the formal start of Southend's celebrations when the Armed Forces Day flag was raised this morning outside the Civic Centre.

Southend Echo: Armed Services Day celebrations to feature top soldier

Corporal John Rigby from 4th Battalion The Rifles was killed in Basra, southern Iraq on Friday 22nd June 2007.

Corporal Rigby died from injuries received from a roadside bomb attack in Basra.

His CO said: "John was an exceptional man in every respect. A Battalion is a large organisation, but John was one of the strongest and most distinctive characters in 4 RIFLES. He was known and universally admired from top to bottom, and even those who did not know him soon learned to speak his name with respect.

But though we grieve for him, we also celebrate a life lived to the full with no doubts, regrets or half measures. John chose this life and he chose us."

"It is typical of him that he died protecting his Riflemen. ‘His lads’ were saved from injury by their vehicle as he selflessly provided top cover from the vehicle hatch. He died on his 24th birthday."

Lance Corporal Kevin Langstone and all the boys from B21C (Cpl Rigby's section) said: "John was an outstanding soldier, a master of all trades. The platoon will never be the same without him. He will be dearly missed. He may be gone but not forgotten."

MoD: Corporal John Rigby killed in Iraq on Friday 22 June 2007
BBC: UK soldier died on 24th birthday

A ceremony was held today at the Armed Forces Memorial in memory of the 66 service personnel who lost their lives in 2008 in the service of their country.
The names of those who died in the line of duty were read out and wreaths laid. The service at the Memorial in the grounds of the National Arboretum in Alrewas, Staffs, was attended by

bereaved families, the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester and defence minister Baroness Ann Taylor.

Baroness Taylor said: "The names of those 66 servicemen and women that gave their lives in 2008 have been carved in stone at the Armed Forces Memorial in a fitting tribute to their bravery and heroism. Their names will endure so that they can always be remembered."

BBC: Memorial tribute to fallen of 2008

Major Paul Harding from 4th Battalion The Rifles was killed in Basra, Iraq on Wednesday 20th June 2007 during a mortar attack on the Provincial Joint Coordination Centre in the city.

"The Battalion has been hit very hard by Paul's death; the collective sense of grief is tangible, and we have learned over the past few weeks that grief has a time and a place. But we have also learned that honouring our dead requires us to move beyond grief. Paul embodied a life based on service to others, duty and self-sacrifice – the life of a Soldier. He chose this life and lived it with a passion; he died prematurely, but he died doing what he loved."

"I knew Paul very well, both spending time in the Cpl's and Sgt's Mess. I was devastated to see he had died, I'm gutted for his family. He was a great soldier, fine NCO and ultimately Officer. Rest in Peace. Tommo."

MoD: Major Paul Harding 4th Battalion The Rifles killed in Iraq
BBC: Major given full military funeral
The Times: Major Paul Harding. Veteran Rifles officer who brought to his dangerous duties in Iraq the experience of more than 30 years’ Army service

Corporal Sarah Bryant of the Intelligence Corps, Corporal Sean Reeve of the Royal Signals, Lance Corporal Richard Larkin and Paul Stout were killed in Afghanistan on Tuesday 17th June 2008.

All four soldiers died when the vehicle in which they were travelling was hit by an IED while on operations near Lashkar Gar, Helmand.

MoD: Corporal Sarah Bryant, Corporal Sean Reeve, Lance Corporal Richard Larkin and Paul Stout killed in Afghanistan
The Sun: Pride of the SAS

A ceremony with Troop Contributing Partners was held on 12th June 2009 at NATO Headquarters to pay tribute to those who have fallen in NATO operations. The NATO Secretary General, Denmark’s Minister of Defence and the Chairman of the Military Committee unveiled a monument donated by Denmark to honour those who have fallen in the service of the Alliance.

The Secretary General thanked the men and women from Allied and Partner countries who have served and are serving in NATO operations and honoured those who lost their life in the service of the Alliance. “The placement of this monument here, at the entrance to our Headquarters, will be a permanent reminder – not just that they gave their lives so that we could enjoy ours – but also of the consequences of the decisions that we take in this building”, he added.

A wreath was laid in front of the monument and a minute of silence observed throughout the Headquarters.

NATO: Memorial honours those fallen in NATO operations

Lance Corporal James Cartwright of Badger Squadron, 2nd Royal Tank Regiment was killed in a vehicle accident in Southern Iraq on 16th June 2007. L/Cpl Cartwright was driving a Warrior Armoured Vehicle protecting a re-supply convoy when the vehicle slid off a bridge.

His Squadron Leader said: ""Lance Corporal James 'Jay' Cartwright was a professional and highly motivated soldier. He never did anything by halves, both in his personal life and at work. As my gunner for the majority of the time I knew him very well, relied upon him completely, and was never disappointed. It was a pleasure and a privilege to serve with him."

His friend Trooper John Gregg said: "Jay was one of the best friends I've ever had; he was always there for me, no matter what. I will always remember him as he was like a big brother to me. He was definitely one-of-a-kind and I'm honoured to have been his friend."

MoD: Lance Corporal James Cartwright dies in Iraq
YouTube: Lance Corporal James Cartwright Repatriation Ceremony

Corporal Mike Gilyeat, from the Royal Military Police, was killed in Afghanistan on Wednesday 30th May 2007. Cpl Gilyeat died when the United States Chinook helicopter he was travelling in crashed in the Kajaki area of northern Helmand.

His CO said: "Cpl Gilyeat was a gifted and enthusiastic member of the team who had made a real difference in the time he had been in theatre. He was an eternally cheerful character who was always quick to lend a hand wherever it was needed and did so without complaint. "

MoD: Corporal Mike Gilyeat killed in Afghanistan

A soldier from the Light Dragoons; a soldier from the Parachute Regiment - two more soldiers have today laid down their lives for their country.
A spokesman for Task Force Helmand, Lieutenant Colonel Nick Richardson said: "We feel a numbness at the loss of these brave and noble soldiers who laid down their lives for their country and the people of Afghanistan. We grieve as the family, loved ones and

colleagues grieve. They will always be in our thoughts and prayers and we offer our heartfelt condolences at this very sad time."

This week in Afghanistan, these soldiers also laid down their lives for us:....

Lance Corporal Kieron Hill from 2nd Battalion The Mercian Regiment (Worcesters and Foresters) was killed following an explosion in Afghanistan on Thursday 28 May 2009.

Lance Corporal Robert Martin Richards from Armoured Support Group Royal Marines died in Selly Oak Hospital on Wednesday 27 May 2009, from wounds sustained in Helmand five days previously.

Sapper Jordan Rossi of 25 Field Squadron, 38 Engineer Regiment, was killed following an explosion in Afghanistan on Saturday 23 May 2009.

Fusilier Petero "Pat" Suesue, of the 2nd Battalion The Royal Regiment of Fusiliers, was killed by an enemy gunshot in Afghanistan on Friday 22 May 2009.

Never forget

Since the beginning of the year regulars at the Malt Shovel pub in Baildon, West Yorks, have been collecting money for Help For Heroes - an amazing £40,000 so far in fact.

When last Saturday the sad news came that one of their drinking partners, Jordan Rossi, had been killed clearing IEDs in Helmand, their fundraising took on a more personal aspect.

Michel Bray, the pub landlord, said: "Our boys are over there doing their job - a very difficult job, a very dangerous job. A lot of them getting injured.... also killed.... really brings it home and makes you really appreciate just how good we have it compared to the young men who are out there in Afghanistan and other places fighting for us."

BBC: Tribute to West Yorkshire soldier (video)
MoD: Sapper Jordan Rossi killed in Afghanistan

Lance Corporal Paul Farrelly and Troop Leader Lieutenant Tom Mildinhall both from 1st The Queen’s Dragoon Guards (The Welsh Cavalry) were killed on Sunday 28th May 2006 in the Al Jezaizah district of northwest Basra, Iraq.

“Lieutenant Mildinhall was a thoroughly capable officer. He was intelligent, determined and utterly loyal to both his own command and his superiors. He led by example and his soldiers responded positively, safe in the knowledge he had their best interests at heart."

"Lance Corporal Farrelly was widely acknowledged as one of the most competent Lance Corporals in the Regiment. He was knowledgeable, quick-thinking and tough. He stood out amongst his peers as a natural leader; level-headed and utterly dependable."

MoD: Lieutenant Tom Mildinhall and Lance Corporal Paul Farrelly killed in Iraq

Honour Our Troops has been set up to put on a Live Aid style "concert for troops risking their lives to keep ours safe".

The team planning the event is led by Mal Franks

and has the support of all three services' Benevolent Trusts to whom all proceeds from the concert will be going.

At the moment the team is seeking to raise £5,000 to apply for Charity Status. Getting that will provide more opportunities to raise funds and to achieve the goal of staging the concert.

Donations can be made via their website:
www.Honour-Our-Troops.com

US Google engineer Sean Askay has created a map in Google Earth which pays tribute to all the Coalition servicemen and women who have given their lives for their countries in Iraq and Afghanistan.

On his blog Sean says: "I have created a map for Google Earth that will connect you with each of their stories—you can see photos, learn about how they died, visit

memorial websites with comments from friends and families, and explore the places they called home and where they died."

The map was launched on 24th May and currently includes data up to March 2009 - that's 5,679 lives. Each figure on the map has a story to tell.

Blog: Map of the Fallen

NB You need Google Earth version 5 to view this particular map layer.
Download Google Earth 5.0 here

Corporal Darren Bonner of the 1st Battalion The Royal Anglian Regiment was killed on Monday 28th May 2007 in Helmand, Afghanistan.
Cpl Bonner was on patrol near Hyderabad in the Gereshk region of Helmand when the vehicle in which he was travelling was hit by an IED.

Darren's CO said: "Corporal Bonner was an incredibly caring and compassionate man. Behind the

tattoos and the muscle lay a man with huge emotional intelligence, who provided a real father figure to many of the younger soldiers in A Company".

Sergeant Stuart Rumsey, said: "Corporal Daz Bonner was the life and soul of the Company. Professionally talented, no task was beyond his determination to succeed."

MoD: Corporal Darren Bonner killed in Afghanistan
Lasting Tribute: Darren Bonner
The Mirror: A hero's last email home