Plymouth memorial unveiled to fallen 'commando gunners'

About 300 people attended the unveiling ceremony

A permanent memorial to personnel killed while serving with 29 Commando Regiment Royal Artillery has been unveiled in Plymouth.

The names of 14 "Commando Gunners" who died feature on the memorial at the city's Royal Citadel.

About 300 people, including serving and retired commandos, families and members of the public attended the unveiling.

The families of four killed soldiers also received the Elizabeth Cross during the ceremony.

'Fitting tribute'

More than £100,000 was raised for the memorial, which is made of limestone and granite and features a commando dagger on top.

It bears the names of all of the soldiers killed in action while serving with the regiment since it was formed in 1962.

A time capsule was also created to go inside. The families of the 14 fallen were invited to put something in it.

Before the unveiling, the regimental padre said the event represented "a great acknowledgement by the city".

The memorial would "stand guard over the city", the Reverend Karl Freeman said.

During the ceremony, Plymouth's Lord Mayor Councillor Mary Aspinall said: "This monument is a fitting tribute for the fallen of 29 Commando.

"It stands in the shelter of the Citadel, but looking out on this wonderful city."

'Encompassing' idea

Families of the fallen said such tributes were appreciated by the relatives of those killed on duty.

Lance Bombardier James Dwyer died in Afghanistan in April 2007.

His father Basil Dwyer was presented with the Elizabeth Cross during Sunday's ceremony.

He said: "All the chaps who go will tell you that everyone who goes should receive medals.

"You can't give medals to everybody, but this encompasses the whole idea."

The Elizabeth Cross is given to relatives of members of the armed forces who have been killed in action since the end of World War II, or as a result of a terrorist attack.