Gulf dead remembered

The Lord Mayor said it was a fitting honour for the troops

More than 400 Royal Marines and their families were in Plymouth on Thursday to pay a special tribute to service personnel who lost their lives in the Gulf during the Iraq conflict.

Ten marines from Plymouth-based 3 Commando were killed in the Gulf.

Their memories were honoured at St Andrew's Church.

This was the first opportunity for troops who went to Iraq to get together and remember those who lost their lives.

The Bishop of Plymouth, the Right Reverend John Garton, presided over the ceremony, which featured the city's lord mayor handing a book of condolence to the marines.

It is extremely important for us to remember that, in the midst of this war, some were killed Right Reverend John Garton

Reverend Garton said: "There are various reasons for why we are holding it. The city council and others in the city thought it was important that we could say to the marines 'welcome, we are proud of what you have done and we admire you tremendously'.

"But it is extremely important for us to remember that, in the midst of this war, some were killed.

"Their families are here, they should know that our city prays for them and will continue to pray for them through the difficult days that are to come."

The service took place at St Andrew's church

The Lord Mayor, Councillor David Stark, said it was a fitting time to honour those whose lives were lost and give thanks for the safe return of others.

He said: "It's a service of thanksgiving for a job well accomplished."

Major Jim Dutton said: "It's a time for reflection, as well as praise for all the troops who went to the Gulf."

Those who died included: three men from 148 Battery, part of 29 Commando Regiment, Royal Artillery, based at the Royal Citadel; one man from 9 Assault Squadron, based on HMS Ocean and six Royal Marines from the Commando Support Group, based at Stonehouse Barracks.