A MEMORIAL service took place yesterday in honour of a Hampshire soldier who died in action in Iraq.
Captain Richard Holmes, 28, pictured, of Winchester, was killed along with colleague 23-year-old Private Lee Ellis, from Wythen-shawe, Manchester, when their vehicle struck a roadside bomb in Al Amarah in February.
Both were on attachment with the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards serving with the 2nd Battalion of The Parachute Regiment based at Colchester.
A memorial service was held at the Colchester Garrison Church followed by a display by the Red Devils parachute team.
Commanding officer Lieutenant Colonel James Chiswell said: "Richard Holmes and Lee Ellis were both first class paratroopers and men. Their deaths affected us all and they will be sorely missed."
Capt Holmes left a widow, Kate, who is a midwife at the Royal Hampshire County Hospital, Winchester. He was a former pupil at the city's Peter Symonds College.
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