Prince of Wales Attends Service for Members of the Armed Forces Who Died in 2007

A service has commemorated the 102 UK servicemen and women killed on duty during 2007. The service - at the Armed Forces Memorial in the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire - was attended by His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales, Veterans Minister Derek Twigg and Vice Admiral Wilkinson, along with families and close friends of those honored today.

Work has recently been completed carving the names on the walls of the monument, and each was read out to the congregation by the representatives of their respective Services. This was followed by a two-minute silence and wreathes laid by HRH The Prince of Wales, Derek Twigg and Vice Admiral Wilkinson.

Speaking at the ceremony, Mr Twigg said:

“Today’s service highlights the dedication and sacrifice of our Servicemen and women around the world. It is right that the nation pays tribute to those members of our Armed Forces who have died while on duty in 2007. I hope that the addition of their names to this magnificent Armed Forces Memorial will provide a focus and comfort for their families and friends, and will be a fitting tribute on behalf of the nation.”

Senior Aircraftsman Christopher Dunsmore - of 504 Squadron Royal Auxiliary Air Force Regiment - was one of three service personnel killed by a mortar attack at the Basra Contingency Operating Base on 19 July 2007. Christopher had followed his father Geoff in to the Royal Auxiliary Air Service, and was its first member to be killed in action since the Second World War. Geoff Dunsmore attended the service today and said:

“There is no greater sacrifice than to give your life for something you believe in. Today Chris, who was an RAF Auxiliary, his full-time colleagues who died with him and all the members of the Armed Forces who have lost their lives in 2007 have been recognized for this quality. It is with honor and pride that Chris’s partner Donna, his family and his friends can see him honored in such a way at the Memorial.”

Source: MoD

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