Most UK troops are on the frontline and were unable to take part
|
British forces in Afghanistan have marked the Armistice Day two minute silence at 1100 local time (0630 GMT). Its start and close were signalled by a single shot from a heavy artillery gun as troops stood to attention in front of a war memorial at Camp Bastion. Despite the silence, the imperative of war continued around the ceremony, as a helicopter flew over head and other soldiers continued with their work. There have been 232 deaths of British soldiers since the invasion in 2001. Of these, 95 have been killed this year. Some individual units of the Army and air force on the base also held their own brief remembrance events, however most soldiers in Afghanistan are on the frontline and therefore were unable to take part. A full remembrance service will take place in London later at Westminster Abbey. It will be the first year no World War I veterans will take part following the deaths this year of the three remaining veterans living in the UK. The Queen will lead the country in observing a two-minute silence at 1100 GMT for the "passing of a generation".
|
One-Minute World News
E-mail this to a friend
Printable version
BBC News
Bookmark with:
What are these?