Abbey service marks Mercian return

Whilst serving in Afghanistan, the Battalion was spread over various locations throughout Helmand, including Garmsir near the front line with the Taliban, where A Company operated checkpoints and Forward Operating Bases, engaging daily with the enemy. In Lashkar Gah, Helmand's provisional capital, C Company protected the Task Force Headquarters and operated patrols in the surrounding villages.

The Battalion engaged in heavy fighting during their six-month tour and were instrumental in establishing local governance in Gereshk and providing an environment where the local population were able to return to their homes and establish a bustling market town.

They were also involved in intense combat in the formidable 'Green Zone', establishing a dominant position which reduced the enemy to mounting indirect attacks. Nine members of the Battalion were killed and 20 were seriously injured during their deployment in Helmand province.

The Dean of Westminster, the Very Reverend Dr John Hall, led the service and gave permission for it to be held in Westminster Abbey because 2nd Battalion is currently the London Line Infantry Public Duties' Battalion stationed in Hounslow:

"Westminster Abbey is home to over 3,000 memorials, many of whom commemorate the work of the Armed Forces in the past," he said.

"This service was an opportunity to commend to God those who have died in recent conflict and to pray for the dangerous and difficult work the Army undertakes for the sake of peace and justice."

The Mercian Regiment was created during the amalgamation of British Army regiments announced by the Government in December 2004.

The new regiment was formed on 1 September 2007 and was created through the merger of three single battalion regiments: Cheshire Regiment, Worcestershire and Sherwood Foresters Regiment, and the Staffordshire Regiment. The new regiment comprises a single battalion of armoured infantry, two battalions of light infantry and a TA battalion.

The 2nd Battalion returned from Afghanistan  in the last week of October. Currently based at Hounslow, in West London, they will move to Belfast in the New Year.

The Commanding Officer of the Battalion, Lt Col Simon Banton, said:

"This is a magnificent privilege and honour to be allowed into such a prestigious venue for the service. It will be a truly fitting tribute to all our brave soldiers who died in Afghanistan."