Heroes' names engraved in stone at Staffordshire's National Memorial Arboretum

The annual event to dedicate the names of those killed in duty over the past 12 months took place at the National Memorial Arboretum in Alrewas. Led by Bishop John Kirkham, the names of 12 service personnel killed last year were engraved at the memorial in a ceremony attended by their families.

Mr Ian Dudson CBE, Her Majesty's Lord Lieutenant of Staffordshire, and senior military representatives also attended the service.

Brigadier Greg Wilson, commander of 11th Signal and Headquarters West Midlands Brigade, said: "The names of 12 service personnel killed on duty during 2014 were dedicated in a service at the Armed Forces Memorial.

"The sacrifice of each one will never be forgotten and our thoughts are with their families and loved ones at this time."

The memorial is the UK's tribute to the 16,000 men and women who have been killed on duty or as a result of terrorist action since 1948.

The memorial is a stone structure with two curved walls and two straight walls, containing the names of those honoured.

Jenny Green OBE is a trustee and vice patron of the Armed Forces Memorial and former chairman of the War Widows Association of Great Britain. Her husband, Group Captain Bill Green, was killed 18 years ago. His body was never recovered.

She said: "This memorial is a special place in which to honour our loved ones, a place to reflect with pride on their ultimate sacrifice, to remember them and to see others remembering them.

"But it's far more than just a monument.

"It has a serenity and beauty of its own and comes alive when, within its walls, people walk, sit and think. To see families and friends touching the names of their lost loved ones is incredibly moving."

The arboretum is the UK's year-round centre of remembrance and is part of The Royal British Legion family of charities.

It is open every day from 9am to 5pm and entry is free.