Operational Service medals for 4 Yorks

The Colonel in Chief of the 4th Battalion the Yorkshire Regiment, HRH The Duke of York presenting soldiers with their service medals

Soldiers from the 4th Battalion, the Yorkshire Regiment were presented with medals today after returning home from their tour in Afghanistan. His Royal Highness, The Duke of York presented the Operational Service medals in York.

The 31 men and women marched onto the Knavesmire Racecourse at midday in front of proud family, friends and race goers.

The Territorial Army soldiers served a six-month tour of duty on Operation HERRICK 15, providing support to 20 Armoured Brigade in Helmand Province.

Sadly, one of the soldiers, 28 year old Private Matthew Thornton from Barnsley, was killed on operations on Wednesday 9th November 2011. His family were presented with the Elizabeth Cross from HRH Duke of York in a private ceremony.

4 YORKS Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Colonel Ian Crowley, said: "Today is very special day for 4 YORKS as we recognised those who have served with such distinction on operations in Afghanistan. They all upheld the very finest traditions of volunteer service and I am extremely proud of the contribution they have made to the security in Afghanistan and the development of the Afghan security forces.

"It is also a day when we recognise the sacrifice made by Private Matthew Thornton who was killed in action in November. We are honoured that Matthew's family were with us."

4 YORKS' headquarters is Worsley Barracks in York and it has companies in York, Hull, Middlesbrough, Huddersfield and Barnsley.