09 November 2008
DFID Secretary of State Douglas Alexander laid a wreath at a remembrance service at the military headquarters in Basra during his recent visit for soldiers who had died in the current campaign in Southern Iraq.
He and Ambassador Christopher Prentice were led in prayers by Padre Mark Christian from 7th Armoured Brigade.
The Padre, who was in Iraq at the start of the campaign in 2003, told how one soldier died in his arms during the conflict.
In all there are 220 names on the memorial of British and foreign servicemen who died in the Southern Iraq theatre.
Mr Alexander said: "Basra is a city that has been transformed in recent months and a big part of the credit for that transformation lies with the people who are quite simply the best of British - and that is our armed forces.
"We should be hugely proud for what they have done for us in Iraq. It is on the basis of their service and sacrifices that Basrawis are so excited about their future."
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