The UK had a military presence in Afghanistan from October 2001, when troops were deployed as part of the NATO response to the 11 September 2001 attacks, and then as part of the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) which initially provided security and reconstruction teams. In 2006, British forces were sent to Southern Afghanistan to tackle a growing insurgency in the region, and experienced their heaviest fighting in Helmand.
By 2010, UK troop numbers reached their peak with 10,000 deployed across Afghanistan. Later the same year, discussions began over the withdrawal of NATO forces. In 2014, Britain formally ended all combat operations in the country.
Some 150,000 British Armed Forces personnel served in Afghanistan, and 457 lost their lives.
The service and sacrifice of those who served in Afghanistan and Operation Herrick will be marked with a short, private ceremony on the Armed Forces Memorial at the National Memorial Arboretum, Staffordshire, followed by refreshments on the afternoon of Saturday 26 October. We invite those who served in Afghanistan to attend, including former and current members of the Armed Forces, their families, and civilian contractors. Registration to attend is essential by completing the form below. Please note that applying here does not guarantee you a ticket. Places are limited and will be allocated on a first come first served basis.
The form will close on Monday 7 October or when capacity is reached.
