Carlisle MP, Julie Minns has paid tribute to men and women from Cumbria ahead of Remembrance Day.

The Border Regiment and the King’s Own Royal Border Regiment have historically been based in the city and have served in battles all over the world.

Julie paid particular tribute to the forces who served in the allied invasion of Sicily in 1943. The regiment suffered heavy losses during Operation Ladbroke which was the first mass use of gliders by the allied forces.

Julie raised their bravery and courage during a parliamentary debate and said it was a ‘privilege’ to pay tribute to the armed forces.

“It was an honour to attend the opening of the House of Commons' Garden of Remembrance, and to lay a cross for the memory and legacy of the men and women of the Border Regiment and the King's Own Royal Border Regiment,” said Julie.

“I was especially moved to hear the speaker of the house, Sir Lindsay Hoyle MP, talk about the important contribution of the troops who served in the Italian campaign during the Second World War - a campaign that is often sadly overlooked in terms of its importance and contribution to the final allied victory in Europe.

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“The Italian campaign began with the invasion of Sicily, which cost the lives of 6,000 allied troops, including men from Carlisle’s Border Regiment who were killed when their gliders failed to make land.

“It was a privilege to raise their legacy in the chamber of the House of Commons, and to pay tribute to the men and women of our armed forces who have risked - and given - their lives in defence of their country.”

Carlisle and the surrounding area will pay tribute to members of the armed forces who fell in conflict in a number of ceremonies this weekend as the nation marks Remembrance Day.