BBC NEWS | In Pictures | In pictures: British prepare to leave Basra

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09:49 GMT, Thursday, 30 April 2009 10:49 UK

In pictures: British prepare to leave Basra

British soldiers salute at the memorial wall

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A memorial service has taken place in Basra for the 179 British personnel who have died during the conflict.

A British soldier salutes the plaques on the memorial wall

A British soldier salutes the plaques on the memorial wall

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The focus was a memorial wall featuring the names of the 234 British and foreign troops and civilians who lost their lives on the UK-led operation in Iraq.

A British soldier and the Union flag are reflected in plaques on the memorial wall

A British soldier and the Union flag are reflected in plaques on the memorial wall

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The names of those who died during the UK's Operation Telic were read out at the memorial service, which also honoured Italian, Dutch, Danish, American and Romanian troops who died.

Soldiers salute at a memorial service attended by the Defence Secretary John Hutton

Soldiers salute at a memorial service attended by the Defence Secretary John Hutton

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Army chaplain Father Pascal Hanrahan, who opened the ceremony, said: "Today is about remembrance and thanksgiving. We remember by name and acknowledge the ultimate sacrifice paid by the 234 men and women who lost their lives during Operation Telic."

A British soldier at a service held at the memorial wal

A British soldier at a service held at the memorial wal

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The last post was sounded by a bugler and prayers were said. There was also a roar overhead as a lone Tornado aircraft conducted a fly-past in tribute.

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UK combat operations ended as 20 Armoured Brigade took part in a flag-lowering ceremony with a US brigade. In London, Prime Minister Gordon Brown said a new chapter in relations between the two countries had begun.

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