More than 500 people joined the Duke of York in honouring the seven crewmen from RN air station Culdrose who died in a helicopter crash during the Iraq conflict.

The Service of Thanksgiving and Remembrance in Truro Cathedral was led by the Dean of Truro and included a reading by the Duke of York and an address by the Bishop of Truro, the Right Reverend William Ind.

RNAS Culdrose Church of Scotland & Free Churches Chaplain the Rev Stan Kennon lit seven candles in memory of yesterday, to honour of the seven members of 849 Naval Air Squadron who died when their Sea King helicopters collided during the opening days of the conflict in Iraq on March 22 – Lt Tom Adams (US Navy), Lt Philip Green, Lt Tony King, Lt Marc Lawrence, Lt Philip West, Lt James Williams and Lt Andrew Wilson.

Members of the clergy from RNAS Culdrose and Helston churches also assisted at the Service.

Families of those who died were among the congregation and were consulted on the form that they would like the event to take. After the service they had a private meeting with Prince Andrew, who served for much of his time with the Royal Navy at Culdrose and was a Sea King pilot in the Falklands War.

Culdrose Commanding Officer Capt Mike Knowles said: “After the accident we received many messages of sympathy and support from the West Country, and particularly from the people of Cornwall.

“The funerals were private, family occasions but the thanksgiving and remembrance service in Truro Cathedral was the opportunity for everyone to pay their respects. I am particularly pleased that the Duke of York was able to be there to lead us in thanksgiving, and I hope that the families could feel the support and were able to draw comfort from it”.