Liverpool Echo - Hope and Glory

Liverpool soldier awarded medal for Afghan role

2012-05-16T09:20:02Z

A LIVERPOOL soldier's service in Afghanistan has been recognised with a medal.

Royal Marine Sergeant Phillip Walsh, 34, completed a six month mission where he was attached to the 110 Provost Company 1st Regiment Royal Military Police to advise on military policing matters.

]]> Part of the task force's brief was to train the Afghan National Police Force so they can effectively take over security in the country.

Sgt Walsh, from West Derby, was presented with his medal at a ceremony in Northern Germany.

He said: "The parade was something I had been looking forward to, it was a good experience and I was proud to receive my medal."

The parade, which included music from the Band of The Prince of Wales' Division and was watched by families, was attended by Brigadier Eddie Forster-Knight, Provost Marshall (head of the Royal Military Police) who presented medals.

Addressing the soldiers during the ceremony, Brigadier Forster-Knight, said: "I'd like to welcome and thank 110 Provost Company. Afghanistan is a very difficult operational challenge, our job is to get on and deliver operational success.

"I have seen significant changes on the ground with the development of the Afghan security forces and the police. This is core work to us and it is very clear that you have done an outstanding job in delivering operational success.

"I also want to thank the families who are here today. You will have been through a difficult time; we do not underestimate the support you provide to personnel on operations. We could not function as soldiers without the support of our families.

"Finally I'd like to thank the Rear Operational Group of 110 Provost Company. It is a difficult job when you are the element left behind when your comrades deploy. Thank you all."

Photographs by Army photographer Staff Sergeant Ian Houlding

Wallasey soldier awarded medal for Afghan campaign

2012-04-10T08:20:37Z

A TERRITORIAL Army soldier from Merseyside was presented with a campaign medal after a six month tour in Afghanistan.

Warrant Officer Second Class Derek Smith, 52, from Wallasey, provided engineering support to the NATO led mission to prepare the Afghans to fully take over the security of their country.

Warrant Officer Smith, was deployed with 35 Engineer Regiment during the tour between September 2011 and March 2012. The civil engineer, who is married to Angela, 48 and has two children, received his medal at a welcome home parade in northern Germany.

Liverpool Land, but not as we know it!

2012-03-27T11:28:02Z

Guest post by Lina Patel @Lil_p17

Fearless soldiers are embarking on a journey to unconquered mountains to raise thousands of pounds for charity.

A region of the Arctic, known as Liverpool Land will be climbed by mountaineering soldiers, all from the 2nd Battalion The Duke of Lancaster's Regiment who have chosen this specific journey in Greenland as it is home to many unclimbed summits up to 1,400 metres in height.

Expedition Leader Captain Dave Latimer, said that the team could face fearsome polar bears.

]]> He told Hope and Glory: "Mountaineering is all about the challenges, both physical and mental. There are a lot parallels with military experiences on operations, the bonds and trust you have with the people you are climbing with are very similar to what you feel in your group or platoon.

"You have to look after each other."

The soldiers are hoping to raise thousands of pounds for the Cystic Fibrosis Trust.

Liverpool soldier wins football championship

2012-03-26T10:37:43Z

A Liverpool soldier has helped his team win a major Army football tournament in Germany.

Sergeant Mark Radcliffe, 36 and his Germany based team 2nd Battalion The Royal Regiment of Fusiliers (2RRF) won the British Army Germany Major Unit Football tournament, beating 8 Regiment RLC in the closely fought final 2 - 1.

]]> The former West Derby Comprehensive School student joined the Army as an infantryman in 1998 may deploy to Afghanistan later in the year when 2RRF relocate to Cyprus as the Theatre Reserve Support Group.

By winning the tournament 2RRF automatically qualified for the overall Army Football Cup semi finals which will take place in the UK later in the summer

Liverpool fan Mark, said: "I am delighted that we won, it's been a struggle getting a team together, but it is a good win.

"It was a great game - end to end, we defended really well. I can't wait to get to the Army semi finals, it should be good.

"I have been playing football since I was seven, and used to play in the amateur league for Old Xareris, a local team in Liverpool."

Mark and the rest of his unit who are currently on a strict program of mission specific training designed to prepare them for their possible deployment to Afghanistan, saw this competition as a welcome break from their regular duties.

The Army Physical Training Instructor, who has served in both Iraq and Kosovo, added: "Sporting events like this are really useful, we need them for bonding, togetherness and cohesion, it brings us together and can help on operations, it helps with morale. We have a great chance to win the Army Cup."

Corporal completes Afghan marchathon

2012-03-16T13:20:24Z

A MERSEYSIDE soldier has completed a charity march in Afghanistan.

Corporal Stephen O'Callaghan, 29, of 110 Provost Company Royal Military Police, slogged through a 96 mile march carrying a full combat load of 25kg.

The 'marchathon' was carried out on the front line in Patrol Base 1 in the Nahr-e-Seraj district of Helmand.

In total he managed 240 laps around the small outpost, which Steve managed in 22 hours 45 minutes and 43 seconds through the heat of the Afghan day and the bitter cold of the winter night.

The challenge has raised more than £700 for BLESMA, the limbless veterans charity, and the RMP Benevolent Fund.

Cpl O'Callaghan said: "The marchathon was a real challenge, but the money it raised for service charities made it well worth it.

"The hardest moment came at about 2am, but I made it through in well under 24 hours thanks to all the lads here who supported me through."

Cpl O'Callaghan, now based in Sennelager, Germany, is the Royal Military Police expert attached to A Company 5 Rifles and routinely accompanies the company on patrols to improve the security of local villagers by advising them on police and legal matters and assisting the local Afghan police in their duties.

Major Matt Forde, the officer commanding A Company, said: "Corporal O'Callaghan is an outstanding soldier whose contributions to the Company's efforts here in Nahr-e-Seraj are second to none.

"The dedication and perseverance required to complete his epic marchathon are mind-boggling and an inspiration to all."

Tributes pour in to Private Daniel Wade, of Warrington

2012-03-08T17:44:31Z

A Merseyside soldier who was one of six killed in Afghanistan was remembered by his mum as "my baby boy, my hero."

Father-to-be Private Daniel Wade, of 3rd Battalion The Yorkshire Regiment, was just 20. His home was turned into a makeshift shrine as news of his death broke today.

]]> At the end terrace in the Latchford area of Warrington yesterday of relatives tied balloons and floral tributes to the garden fence.

A note with four roses from the young soldier's mother, Lisa Billing, read: "Daniel my baby boy, my hero. I will always love you and you have made me the proudest mum in the world.

"RIP son, you are with Nanna and your Dad now, my angels. Love mum x x."

Ms Billing and her daughter, Stacey, embraced as they read floral tributes outside the house.

As more visitors arrived throughout the day many hugged and left the scene in tears, after describing the former Sir Thomas Boteler Church of England High School pupil as a "happy person" looking forward to parenthood with girlfriend Emma.

Private Wade and the five other soldiers - Corporal Jake Hartley, 20, Private Anthony Frampton, 20, Private Christopher Kershaw, 19, Private Daniel Wilford, 2, all from 3rd Battalion The Yorkshire Regiment and Sergeant Nigel Coupe, aged 33, from the Duke of Lancaster's Regiment, had been on a security patrol in a Warrior armoured fighting vehicle when it was caught in an explosion in Kandahar province at dusk on Tuesday.

The deaths represent the biggest single loss of British life in Afghanistan since September 2006, and brings the total number of British service personnel killed in the country to 404.

Lieutenant Colonel Zac Stenning, of 3rd Battalion The Yorkshire Regiment, read a eulogy to the men outside Battlesbury Barracks in Warminster, Wiltshire.

He said: "Six of our brothers have fallen. It has been a sad day."

He said of Pte Wade: "Private Daniel Wade had only recently joined the battalion, but in a very short period, he had made a real mark.

"It is to his great credit that he successfully completed his Warrior Driver course so early in his career. In his spare time, Dan loved 'speed on wheels' and he had a real passion for motocross and superbikes."

Friend Lewis Dixon, 20, said both had trained as youngsters with the local Army cadets at 75 Engineering Barracks in Warrington.

Mr Dixon said he spoke to Pte Wade a few months ago on a night out in Warrington.

He said: "Daniel was a cadet, the Army was his dream. I saw him in town about three or four months back. He was talking to me, saying his girlfriend was pregnant. She is having a girl.

"He was really excited. He was happy, really excited about it, it seemed he could not wait to get back."

Mr Dixon, a former soldier himself before being medically discharged by the Army, added: "He was a great character.

"For any soldier you always feel an attachment. In the Army you are not just a soldier, you are a band of brothers.

"It has hit a lot of people massively. He was popular and loveable - you couldn't speak to him without a smile on your face. He's done his duty."

Mr Dixon laid flowers outside Pte Wade's home, stood to attention, saluted and walked away in tears.

Tributes also came from John Sharples, Pte Wade's former headmaster at the Sir Thomas Boteler Church of England High School where he attended from 2002-2007.

Mr Sharples said Pte Wade, who was voted most fanciable male in his school yearbook and played on the basketball team, was "hugely popular with staff and fellow pupils."

He added: "He was a good lad, sociable and with a clear sense of right and wrong. He knew how to have fun, and once dressed in a pink tutu and went round collecting money, but also had a serious side.

"For the school remembrance services he would come in his cadet uniform to remember the sacrifices former pupils made in the first and second world wars."

Mr Sharples said everyone was devastated when the news was broke, and payers were said and a minute's silence held.

A service of remembrance will take place at the school tomorrow morning.

Liverpool TA soldier makes special deliveries in Afghanistan

2012-03-06T11:24:49Z

A LIVERPOOL supermarket worker has swapped aisles and trolleys for convoys and armoured cars in the deserts of Afghanistan.

Private Craig Healy, from Childwall is currently a world away from the Tesco store in which he normally works.

]]> The 24-year-old Territorial Army man drives armoured lorries out of Camp Bastion in huge convoys of up to 60 vehicles to deliver much-needed to supplies to patrol bases and checkpoints in Helmand Province.

Craig, a former pupil of Gateacre Comprehensive School, joined 156 Transport Regiment in Allerton in 2006 and gained a number of skills and qualifications, including a HGV licence.

Craig has completed exercises all over the UK with the TA, and been skiing in Bavaria, Germany. When the opportunity came to deploy to Afghanistan he jumped at the chance for adventure.

He said: "It's completely different from my civilian job and presents a whole new set of challenges which I am really enjoying. Every day is different and I feel that we are making a really positive impact here".

Prior to deployment Craig completed a cycle of arduous training during which he was based in Germany to bring his abilities to the standard required for a demanding six month tour in Afghanistan.

Recalling the preparations for deployment, he said: "The training to reach the regular Army standard was quite demanding, however being here has been really rewarding and I feel that I am making a real difference."

Major Mal Biggs MBE, Craig's commanding officer, said: "Craig's dedication, drive and technical abilities are superb and are reflected by all the TA soldiers within my squadron. They are doing a first class job and are having a hugely beneficial impact."

Craig will get an extended leave before reverting back to civilian life in Liverpool.

He said: "I'm looking forward to going back to Liverpool to see family and friends however I've made some great mates out here and I'll always have fond memories of what I've experienced here".

HMS Liverpool back on Mersey for final visit

2012-02-29T16:17:56Z

When HMS Liverpool last sailed from the Mersey a year ago, the crew were preparing for a summer deployment to the Mediterranean away from the cold water round the British Isles where they had undergone operational sea training.

That training was to be put into action as the ship was ordered to the Libyan coastline as part of operation Unified Protector, an international effort to oust Colonel Gaddafi's hated regime from the north African country.

This morning they returned to a hero's welcome, and keen to make some final memories in the city that gave the vessel her name. I joined the Cammell Laird built Type 42 Destroyer in Glasgow on Monday to sail with the crew on her last visit to the river of her birth.

]]> The men and women on board HMS Liverpool spoke of their pride and excitement at returning to the city as they came alongside at Pier Head for the last time.

For one of the crew, Leading Physical Trainer Instructor Christopher Reeves, who was at the helm and therefore "parking" the Type 42 Destroyer in front of the Three Graces, the homecoming is extra emotional.

The 28-year-old, from Fazakerly, had members of his family on board and also at the dock to watch his special moment.

He said: "This will be my last day at sea, as I'm to be posted abroad on a land-based job so it's a huge honour to bring the ship alongside in my home port.

"I'm a bit nervous too, but it means a lot to me and my family to be able to do this."

It's fitting a scouser be given such an opportunity, for the ship will not pass by these waters again. She is to be decommissioned at then end of March, putting an end to 30 years protecting Britain's interest all over the world. She came into service just weeks after the end of the Falklands conflict, and last year was the first Royal Navy vessel to fire her guns in anger since those engagements in the South Atlantic in 1982.

On May 19 last year Leading Hand David Thomas, from Birkenhead, had just turned 21 when over the ship's pipes came the call to action stations.

He told the ECHO: "The clock had just struck midnight and the ship went to action stations, so had to put on our fireproof anti-flash suits, and the 4.5m gun on the front of the ship was ready to fire."

News of HMS Liverpool's role in the conflict filtered back to Britain, where anxious families waited for word from their loved ones, word that could be held up for days due to strict communications rules.

Able Seaman Michael Cushion, 22, who lives near Runcorn, said: "You'd get emails from your family asking for news, but couldn't reply. When comms were restored we could reassure them."

Coming back to their home port gives the young sailors a chance to share with friends and family what they've achieved.

Leading Hand Thomas said: "Coming back last time was something I was really proud of, so this time will be even better, being the final time, some people serve years without visiting their home port, so to do it twice on Liverpool is very special."

On Friday the crew will exercise their Freedom of the City and march through Liverpool, where Lord Mayor Councillor Frank Prendergast will inspect the company before a Town Hall reception.

The former shipbuilder had a chance to get to grips with life at sea during the voyage from Glasgow, and spoke of the privilege of welcoming the crew to Liverpool.

He said: "This is the first time I've been on a warship and it's been a fantastic opportunity.

"I'm looking forward to welcoming the crew to the city over the next few days to say a fond farewell, it's something of immense kudos to have such a distinguished ship named after our city."

The ship's company practised drills for man overboard as they sailed in the Irish Sea, and drove the ship's mammoth engines at full power, demonstrating there's still life in the Crazy Red Chick, as she's nicknamed, despite coming to the end of her career.

Last night dress uniforms were being ironed, shoes polished and final preparations made for what will be a busy few days, but away from all the duty and ceremony that goes with such a visit, they'll be time for some much welcome R&R.

As one sailor said: "It'll be great coming back to Liverpool, it's a run ashore you wouldn't want to miss."

St Helens servicemen and women honoured

2012-02-22T12:46:45Z

St Helens Council honoured the borough's servicemen and women both past and present with the Honorary Freedom of the Borough.

]]> A special ceremony at the Town Hall marked the contribution made by those from the borough who take up the call to fight for Queen and country.

Other recipients at a special meeting of the council on February 19 were Bill Ainscough and Langtree Group plc, for services to the local economy; Chris Baybutt, for services to the economy and environment in St Helens; David Baybutt, for services to the economy and environment in St Helens; Eamonn McManus, for services to sport in St Helens; Jean Mulford, for services to the voluntary sector in St Helens; and Kirsty Pilkington, for her work in the voluntary sector an in support of local Arts.

Willowbrook Hospice was also recognised for services to the community.

The Mayor of St Helens, Councillor Tom Hargreaves said: "This is the highest honour that a borough can bestow on its citizens - and recognises the exceptional contribution that these individuals have made to our lives."

HMS Liverpool to sail into city for last time

2012-02-17T10:55:49Z

A ROYAL Navy warship named in honour of the city is due to make one final visit up the Mersey before she is taken out of service.

HMS Liverpool will be decommissioned in March, but the captain and crew of the Type-42 Destroyer, who last year were on the frontline against Libyan tyrant Colonel Gadaffi's forces as his hated regime crumbled, were keen to come alongside at Pier Head one last time.

]]> She will be berthed within sight of theThree Graces from February 29 to March 5, and the company will take part in a full programme of events to celebrate the ships links with the city, forged when she was laid down at Birkenhead's Cammell Laird in 1978.

Since she was commissioned into service in 1982 just weeks after the end of the Falkland's conflict she has been around the world promoting and protecting British interests.

Last spring the ship, nicknamed the Crazy Red Chick, was honoured with the Freedom of the City during a ceremonial visit to Merseyside.

The crew will exercise their right as freemen to march through Liverpool's streets for the last time on March 2.

More than 20 local groups will be hosted on board ship during the visit, and the weekend of March 3 and 4 will see the gangway thrown open to the public who will have their last chance to see the vessel as a working warship.

Commanding Officer of HMS Liverpool, Commander Colin Williams, said: "This visit is one of celebration and appreciation of the sterling service which this exceptional ship has offered her country during her three decades at sea.

"To be bringing her back home to Liverpool is, without question, not only the absolute pinnacle of this celebration, but also a very poignant and dignified moment in her long and illustrious life."

The departure of the ship will be an equally crowd pleasing spectacle, with gun salutes being granted to Cammell Laird and during a sail past of the city's waterfront.

HMS Liverpool is coming to the city in celebration of her long service, but just a few months ago the ship and her crew were engaging the enemy off the coast of Libya.

As part of the UN's Operation Unified Protector HMS Liverpool became the first Royal Navy ship to be attacked in 30 years.

She returned fire with the huge 4.5in shell gun mounted on her bow.

This modern day cannon also blasted exploding rounds into the sky, which illuminated pro-Gaddafi positions for NATO aircraft to identify and destroy.

The ship's company witnessed the siege of Misratah and the fall of Tripoli, Zlitan, Al Khums and Sirte to the rebels during a tumultuous few weeks for a country seizing on the opportunity afforded by the Arab Spring.

Commander Williams praised the ship's company's "grit and determination" as they went to action stations on 28 occasions.

Birkenhead soldier on the up encourages Army careers

2012-02-15T12:17:21Z

A Birkenhead soldier has returned to the army recruiting office where he joined up to share his experiences of military life with potential new recruits.

Rich Hall is a trained Electronics Technician in the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (REME) and also a keen sports man - he plays Rugby Union for his regiment and most recently achieved the REME Cruiser Weight Boxing Champion title - but his ambition is to rise through the Army ranks.

]]> The 26-year-old is being sponsored by his Corps to study Engineering at Birmingham University before he plans to move to the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst (RMAS), where he will train to become an Army Officer on their gruelling 44-week course.

To be considered for Officer selection, Rich had to attend and pass a series of demanding tests set during a rigorous four day Army Officer Selection Board (AOSB) in Westbury. The challenges included planning and debate exercises designed to showcase analytical and problem solving skills, in addition to a series of fitness exercises to demonstrate capability and formal interviews to assess his suitability for command.

He said: "I know the training at Sandhurst is going to be extremely intense. But the rewards I'm sure will be worth it. I'll be able to gain a wide range of transferable skills that I'll be able to put to good use, both in the Army and in civilian life, whilst meeting friends for life.

"Not enough people know about all the opportunities that are available in the Army such as further education, continual career development and involvement in sports. I've had a great four years in the Army so I was keen to come back to the ACIO to talk to those interested in joining the Army about what it's really like.

In his current role as an Electronics Technician, Rich is responsible for the maintenance and repair of all the Army's electronic equipment, including communications and sighting systems on tanks and a variety of guided weapons. Upon successful completion of his Officer training and subsequent commissioning, Rich will manage and oversee a team of various REME tradesmen including vehicle mechanics, armourers, electronic technicians' recovery mechanics, aircraft technicians and metalsmiths.

HMS Liverpool keeps watch over UK waters

2012-02-07T14:54:20Z

THIS is HMS Liverpool looking on as a vast Russian aircraft carrier leads a fleet of warships through British waters.

The Admiral Kuznetsov has been part of a task force from the Northern and Baltic Fleets of the Russian Navy.

]]> After a handover from the French warship Le Henaff, type 42 destroyer Liverpool established her position between the UK and the Russian Task Group, shadowing them as they progressed north past Land's End, then Ireland.

Liverpool saw action in the Mediterranean last year as part of the operations against pro-Gaddafi forces in Libya, and is due to visit Merseyside before she decommissions in March.

Liverpool's Commanding Officer, Commander Colin Williams, said: "As an island nation it is essential for the UK to maintain a military presence in our waters.

"HMS Liverpool is well-placed to carry out this duty after her extremely successful Operation Ellamy and NATO contributions off Libya last year."

HMS Mersey fines ship caught using illegal nets

2012-02-06T12:23:11Z

A Royal Navy patrol ship has issued a record on-the-spot fine to fishermen using undersized nets after sailors boarded a Dutch fishing vessel in the North Sea.

HMS Mersey, one of the Royal Navy's three Fishery Protection Vessels, was on routine duties when she spotted the FV Elizabeth sailing 40 nautical miles off the Norfolk coast, and sent her boarding team to carry out a full inspection.

Hope and Glory's exclusive pictures, supplied by the Royal Navy, show the party confronting the fishermen.

]]> The team, led by Marine Enforcement Officer Midshipman Phill Fordham, found that the two cod-ends (the section of the net that catches and holds the fish) were significantly undersized, meaning that young fish and vulnerable species that are unable to escape as the nets are dragged through the water.

On reporting the infringement to the Marine Management Organisation, HMS Mersey issued the trawler's captain with an £8,000 Financial Administration Penalty.

Commanding Officer of HMS Mersey, Lieutenant Commander Mark Anderson said: "This is a great result for my ship's company and another example of the continued effectiveness of RN Fishery Protection Vessels working to enforce important fisheries legislation in and around UK waters."

Tributes to Signaller Ian Sartorius-Jones, from Runcorn, who died in Afghanistan

2012-01-26T11:23:21Z

Guest post by Gemma Jaleel

THE FAMILY of Runcorn soldier Ian Sartorius-Jones who died at a military base in southern Afghanistan said he will "always be missed".

Signaller Ian Sartorius-Jones, 21, from Runcorn died of a gun shot wound at a Nato patrol base in the Nahr-e Saraj district of Helmand Province on Tuesday.

]]> Military investigators are not looking for anyone else in connection with the death and said the dad-of one is not thought to have died as a result of hostile action.

Today in a statement, his family said: "Ian was a loveable character, a devoted father to Dylan, who is eight months old, husband to Kellyanne, a wonderful son to Robert and Amanda and brother to Alan.

"He will always be missed and loved by all his family and friends."

The former British national tae kwon do champion from 200 Signal Squadron enlisted with the Royal Corps of Signals in February 2007.

He joined his squadron in May 2008 and has since been deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan.

Staff Sergeant Paul Griffiths, Tigris Troop Staff Sergeant described his shock at his comrade's death.

He said: "Signaller Sartorius-Jones, S-J, had a promising career ahead of him, whichever path he chose. A popular lad both in work and outside, he fitted in well with the small, tight knit team. He will be sorely missed by all those in the Squadron and not easily replaced. His death has been a shock to us all."

Signaller Craig Billins said: "S-J was one of my most devoted friends. A lively and fun person to be around, he always had something to say.

"Knowing him closely for over three years, he became a dear friend. Prior to S-J getting married we shared a room together and shared many good times over a beer. I will always miss him and the good times that we shared."

And Major Stu Whittley, Officer Commanding, 20th Armoured Brigade Headquarters and Signal Squadron (200) spoke of a "gregarious, immensely respected and highly capable Signaller".

He added: "I will remember Signaller Sartorius-Jones for his dedication to his mates, upbeat nature and cutting sense of humour. A hugely popular soldier, notorious for his own individual style and taste in music, he was always to be found at the centre of any activity with a smile on his face.

"He was a former British national tae kwon do champion and an able footballer. He was relaxed and easy-going in work, and his unbounded energy and ability to motivate others were an inspiration to us all.

"As a senior signaller he took his role of mentoring and developing those around him seriously, especially in the build up to and deployment on operations.

"It is a mark of the man that he rarely took the credit for or acknowledged these actions, it was simply what he did."

Liverpool still honours fallen sons of World War One

2012-01-22T18:59:50Z

Guest post by Marc Waddington

Families of Liverpool servicemen who gave their lives fighting for their country in World War One watched their relatives' names added to a town hall memorial.

Lord Mayor Frank Prendergast unveiled the 21 extra names of soldiers, seamen and airmen who died during the 1914-1918 conflict in the Great Hall of Remembrance.

PROUD: Cllr Frank Prendergast with Major Mark Austin, far right, Marie Dean and her children Emily and Adam. The names of Pte Samuel Colbenson and Gnr William Fredrickson were added to the Great Hall of Remembrance. Picture by Andrew Teebay]]> The names were added to more than 13,400 lining the walls of the Hall.

Over the last year, their families had approached the council after realising they were not among those already on show.

One Liverpool-born family travelled to the city from their Oxfordshire home to receive scrolls for two of their ancestors who fell on the battlefields of France.

Marie Dean and her children Adam, 10, and Emily, 13, received scrolls bearing the names of Mrs Dean's great-uncle, Private Samuel Colbenson, and her great-grandad's cousin, Gunner William Fredrickson.

Both joined up together and are understood to have died, aged 22, within a year of each other. Mrs Dean said: "When my mum and cousin in Canada realised their names were not on the roll, they had to prove they were born in Liverpool.

"We know they were born in the same house and joined up in different services. We have tried to find out exactly where they were buried, but records are scarce.

"All we know is they were both killed in France and buried in a military cemetery."

Suzanne Morris, who attended with her niece Ella Morris, eight, said she had asked if her great-great-uncle, Pte Walter Colebourne could be added. His memorial is in Flanders.

Ella said: "I am very proud that my great-great-uncle is now on the Roll of Honour."

The service included the Last Post, a minute's silence and the Kohima Message of "when you go home, tell them of us and say, for your tomorrow, we gave our today".

Prayers were led by Forces Chaplain the Rev John Williams MBE, who said: "These were great men of mercy whose names have not been forgotten.

"Their bodies were buried in peace but their names and souls live evermore."

Cllr Prendergast added: "We are here with families to honour and pay respect to the brave men as we add them to the Roll of Honour."

The addition of the 21 new names was made possible by creating an online database which people could check to see if their relatives' names lined the walls.