by by Angela Cole

acole@thekmgroup.co.uk

Soldiers who have lost their lives in conflicts since the Falklands War have been honoured at the unveiling of a new war memorial.

The memorial to soldiers from the 36 Engineers Regiment was unveiled by Major General Macklin, Colonel Commandant of the Royal Engineers, in front of servicemen, their families, veterans and other dignitaries.

The Portland stone monument at Invicta Barracks in Royal Engineers Road, Maidstone, contains the names of 12 members of the regiment who have died in the service of their country since the Falklands conflict.

It was commissioned by the regiment after their return from a six-month tour of duty in Afghanistan last year, in the wake of the deaths of two soldiers, Cpl "Sean" Violino, 29, and L Cpl Jake Alderton, whose families were in attendance.

It also bears the crests of the Corps, the Regiment and the Queen’s Ghurka Engineers.

It was paid for with money donated to the regiment by the families of the two soldiers who died, and by local businesses and further fund-raising.