<p><br /> The Prince of Wales has laid a wreath on behalf of the nation to remember 72 service personnel who died on recent deployments to Afghanistan.<br /> </p><p><br /> Around 600 military personnel, dignitaries and many relatives attended a service at York Minister.<br /> </p><p><br /> Prince Charles was joined by the Defence Secretary Liam Fox, Chief of the General Staff General Sir Peter Wall as members of the 4th Mechanized Brigade were remembered.<br /> </p><p><br /> As the names of the dead were read out, the Minister's bell tolled. Singer Russell Waton also performed during the service.<br /> </p><p><br /> The 4th Mechanized Brigade was 6,500 strong for its deployment as Task Force Helmand and returned from a six-month tour of Helmand in October.<br /> </p><p><br /> Most of its component units, including The Royal Dragoon Guards and The Queen's Royal Lancers, are based at Catterick.<br /> </p><p><br /> Charles, who is Colonel in Chief of several regiments represented at today's service, was dressed in a grey suit with a Royal Dragoon Guards tie. He was also wearing several lapel badges.<br /> </p><p><br /> Later, he met bereaved families at Imphal Barracks in Fulford, York.<br /> </p><p><br /> Brigadier Mike Griffiths, Colonel of The Duke of Lancaster's Regiment, lost his son during the tour.<br /> </p><p><br /> Captain Andrew Griffiths, 25, of the 2nd Battalion the Duke of Lancaster's, died from his injuries after an explosion.<br /> </p><p><br /> He and his colleagues were trying to clear a compound when he was injured by an improvised explosive device. He died from his injuries on September 5.<br /> </p><p><br /> His father said: "I think it is hugely important to remember and recognise the sacrifice of all those who died during the tour. I'm here as a father who lost his son. My regiment lost six soldiers, he was one of the six."<br /> </p><p><br /> He said it was fitting the service was attended by the Prince of Wales.<br /> </p>
