The names of all those who lost their lives in the last year were read out at the service, which also included a two-minute silence.

2009 was the bloodiest year for UK forces since the Falklands conflict. The names of those killed have been carved into the Armed Forces Memorial alongside the other 16,000 service personnel who have died since 1948.

Addressing those gathered, the Venerable Ray Pentland QHC, chaplain-in-chief at the Royal Air Force, described the process of Remembrance as "very precious and special", adding that it "helps to give us a foundation".

"Let us chant their names and call them home," he said, of those who had lost their lives.

And Bishop John Kirkham, the former bishop of the Armed Forces, read A Litany of Remembrance.

Emma-Jane Webster, whose fiancee L/Cpl Richard Brandon, was killed in Afghanistan in September, said the memorial was "absolutely spectacular".

"It's wonderful recognition for what he did and what he believed in," said Miss Webster.

The Armed Forces Memorial honours personnel killed on duty, or as a result of terrorist action.

Made from Portland stone, it was dedicated by the Queen in 2007 and features an obelisk and a circular wall bearing the names of the dead.

The latest 119, engraved by stonemason Nick Hindle, include the 41 UK soldiers killed during Operation Panther's Claw in Afghanistan last July and August.

Also inscribed are the names of Sappers Mark Quinsey and Patrick Azimkar - the two soldiers shot dead outside their barracks in Northern Ireland in March 2009 by dissident republicans.

A spokesman for the NMA said: "Today is important for the families from the perspective of helping them to come to terms with what has happened, but it is also an important day for the county to recognise those that made the ultimate sacrifice for their country.

"It was a very dignified service. All of the families were invited to come up to the wall and lay a wreath or a tribute and every single member of the congregation did just that.

"Watching the parents and children of those who have given their lives filing past the wall was very moving, it brings it home.

"It must be incredibly sobering to see for the first time the name of a loved one engraved upon the memorial wall".

The spokesman said the Earl of Wessex spent more than an hour speaking to the families of those who had died.

He added: "He obviously cares very deeply".

View our gallery of photos from the day.

Media contact:
Andrew Baud
The Royal British Legion
T: 07775 715775
E: andrew.baud@talapr.co.uk

The Earl of Wessex lays the first wreath at the dedication service for those killed in 2009