Service in Hillmorton marks 15 years since the end of the Iraq War

The Armed Forces Day is being held by The Royal British Legion Hillmorton Branch on June 27.

It will include a commemoration marking 15 years since Operation TELIC.

Andrew Was, Secretary of the Hillmorton Branch of the Royal British Legion, said: “Men and women of our Armed Forces joined the US-led Coalition in the invasion of Iraq in March 2003.

"British combat operations ended in 2009. The last British personnel departed on 22nd May 2011 bringing Operation TELIC to an end.

"The duty in Iraq came at a high cost. Tragically, 179 British Armed Forces personnel lost their lives in Operation TELIC and many more were wounded, many with life-changing physical injuries. Others experienced emotional or mental ill-health as a result of their service in Iraq.

"In the presence of the Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Warwickshire, David Kelham, members of the Royal British Legion will gather at 10.50am at Hillmorton War Memorial for a short service led by Rev Alison Baxter which will include a two-minute silence.”

Veterans and members of the public are invited to gather at Hillmorton War Memorial at 10.45am.

Kathryn Lawrence, Chairman, Hillmorton Branch Royal British Legion, said: “We do hope that once again members of the public will attend to mark the service of military personnel past and present.

"We particularly hope that veterans of deployment in Operation Telic will be able to join this service as we recognise the events of 15 years ago.”