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The 2nd Battalion of the Mercian Regiment was formed on the 1st September 2007.

They recruit their troops from the counties of Worcestershire, Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire.

They are based in Belfast, and this will be the third tour of Afghanistan the Battalion has made in the last four years.Ìý

Whilst serving in Afghanistan, the 2nd Battalion were engaged in heavy fighting during their six-month tour in 2008.ÌýÌý

They established local governance in Gereshk, and provided an environment where the local population were able to return to their homes and establish a bustling market town.ÌýÌý

They were also involved in intense combat in the formidable 'Green Zone', establishing a dominant position which reduced the enemy to mounting indirect attacks.

Nine members of the Battalion were killed and 20 were seriously injured during their deployment in Helmand province.

The Mercians are the most decorated regiment in the UK.ÌýMost awards stem from their last tour - including two Military Cross winners for gallantry.Ìý

British forces in Afghanistan are currently around 8,000 strong, including elements of the Royal Navy, Royal Marines, British Army and Royal Air Force units.ÌýÌý

The majority are deployed in the south, with support personnel based at headquarters in Kabul.ÌýÌý

A total of 143 British personnel or MOD civilians have died while serving in Afghanistan since the start of operations in 2001.ÌýÌýÌý

Of these, 114 were killed as a result of hostile action.ÌýÌý