A moving service took place in Hillmorton on Saturday to honour the “courage, professionalism and selflessness” of those who served in the Iraq War.

At midnight on 22 May 2011 British Service Men and Women serving in Iraq, were finally stood down from combat operations.

The decision effectively marked the end of Operation Telic, a military campaign that lasted eight years and resulted in 179 British serving men and women losing their lives and more than 3,500 suffering non-fatal injuries.

To honour their service and their sacrifice, the Royal British Legion, Hillmorton Branch, dedicated their Armed Forces Day service to the men and women who served in Operation Telic.

Rugby Mayor Cllr Nooria Sayani with members and supporters of Hillmorton RBL The Rev Alison Baxter leading the congregation in prayer and reflecting on past conflicts. Former Royal Horse Artillery Lance Bombardier Gemma Simonian. Flight Lieutenant Howerd Jones accepting the certificate from Deputy Lieutenant of Warwickshire, David Kelham. Pictures: Patrick Joyce.

placeholder image — Rugby Mayor Cllr Nooria Sayani with members and supporters of Hillmorton RBL The Rev Alison Baxter leading the congregation in prayer and reflecting on past conflicts. Former Royal Horse Artillery Lance Bombardier Gemma Simonian. Flight Lieutenant Howerd Jones accepting the certificate from Deputy Lieutenant of Warwickshire, David Kelham. Pictures: Patrick Joyce.

Women like Lance Bombardier Gemma Simonian from Rugby who served two tours of duty in Iraq and one tour in Afghanistan, with the Royal Horse Artillery; a front-line regiment which saw extensive action during Operation Telic.

She said: “Like many veterans, my feelings about the conflict have become more complex over time. I saw the courage, professionalism and selflessness of British servicemen and women and I am incredibly proud to have served with them.

"At the same time, I saw the human cost of war, not just for us but for the Iraqi people as well. War is never seen as being simply right or wrong, once you’ve lived through it.

"What stays with me most is the importance of loyalty, teamwork and remembering those who didn’t make it home.”

Amy Cavendish, RBC Armed Forces Champion, enjoying the day with her family. Andrew Was, Secretary of Hillmorton RBL with Kathryn Lawrence Chair of Hillmorton RBL. Bugler, Colin Worrall plays the last post and Reveille. Pictures: Patrick Joyce.

The service was attended by the Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Warwickshire, David Kelham who spoke warmly of the men and women of Warwickshire who gave their time, their courage, and in some cases, their lives, to help defend Britain in time of peril.

He said: “Daily, we are reminded as to why we should be grateful for the sacrifice of those young people who have servedand why we must be prepared to face down threats.

"This event is part of a growing trend to mark the significance of Armed Forces Day across the country. We offer our thanks to the Royal British Legion for convening us.”

He also praised the Rugby’s Cadet services and presented a certificate to Rugby’s 29F Squadron, Air Training Corps, to mark their affiliation to the Hillmorton Branch of RBL, saying: “I am proud and reassured to be presenting this certificate.

"It confirms to me that the sense of fellow feeling in society is still alive in our young people, as it was in those who we remember today.”

Kathryn Lawrence, Chair of RBL Hillmorton Branch said: “Hillmorton Branch were privileged to host David Kelham, Deputy Lord Lieutenant and Rugby Mayor Cllr Nooria Sayani.

"We would also like to express our gratitude to the Rev Alison Baxter for conducting the service and to the members of Rugby No.1 and Bilton branches of RBL and to members of the public for their support.”

The Armed forces Flag was raised at Rugby Town Hall to mark the start of a week of thanks to the nation’s armed forces and their families.

A ceremony took place on June 22, following a one-minute silence in honour of serving members of the Armed Forces, veterans, reservists, cadets and their families.