A MEMORIAL service took place yesterday in honour of a Hampshire soldier who died in action in Iraq.

Captain Richard Holmes, 28, pictured, of Winchester, was killed along with colleague 23-year-old Private Lee Ellis, from Wythen-shawe, Manchester, when their vehicle struck a roadside bomb in Al Amarah in February.

Both were on attachment with the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards serving with the 2nd Battalion of The Parachute Regiment based at Colchester.

A memorial service was held at the Colchester Garrison Church followed by a display by the Red Devils parachute team.

Commanding officer Lieutenant Colonel James Chiswell said: "Richard Holmes and Lee Ellis were both first class paratroopers and men. Their deaths affected us all and they will be sorely missed."

Capt Holmes left a widow, Kate, who is a midwife at the Royal Hampshire County Hospital, Winchester. He was a former pupil at the city's Peter Symonds College.