Five hundred soldiers of 2 Rifles have been presented with Operational Medals at their home base at Abercorn Barracks, Ballykinler, County Down in Northern Ireland.
2 Rifles lost 13 soldiers during their six month deployment to Afghanistan as part of 19 Light Brigade.
Families of eight of the deceased soldiers received Elizebeth Crosses in a private ceremony in the Officers Mess. The presentations were by Viscount Brookeborough of Colebrook, County Fermanagh, Northern Ireland.
Main guests at the ceremonies on today included Field Marshal The Lord Edwin Bramell who was inspecting officer and Lieutenant General Sir Nick Parker, Colonel Commandant of 2 Rifles and Deputy Commander of ISAF.