Prince presents Iraq troop medals

About 170 soldiers who served in Iraq have received medals from the Prince of Wales in honour of their contribution.

The troops, from 1st Batallion, the Mercian Regiment, spent seven months in Basra, Baghdad and the southern port city of Umm Qasr.

Commanding officer Colonel Ian Cave said the medals were in recognition of their time in Iraq and "the efforts of their families at home".

Two soldiers fainted in London's warm weather, but were quickly revived.

Prince Charles is colonel-in-chief of the Mercian regiment which was formed in 2007 when the 22nd (Cheshire) Regiment, the Staffordshire Regiment and the Worcestershire and Sherwood Foresters combined.

'Recognition'

The Battalion's C Company was in charge of maintaining security in Umm Qasr, which is key to Iraq's oil industry.

Meanwhile, A and B Companies spent time protecting British diplomats and senior Army officers in Baghdad and training Iraqi forces in Basra.

Col Cave said: "I think having their medals presented by the prince is fantastic and in addition, they had the chance to march past Buckingham Palace which I haven't had the chance to do in my career.

"It's a recognition for their seven months in Iraq and the efforts of their families at home, which in some ways is a harder job."

Among those given their medals on Friday were Privates Mike Kilby, 21 and Darren Kilby, 19 - two of three brothers from Birkenhead who were all deployed to Iraq in November.

Their older brother, Corporal Chris Kilby, 21, has already been presented with his medal.

Mike Kilby said: "The public were cheering and it was a great atmosphere."