YORK war hero Trooper Ashley Smith was in the hearts and minds of his comrades as they received their operational medals in bitterly cold conditions at York’s snow-covered Knavesmire.

The 21-year-old trooper, from Acomb, was the first of four members of the Royal Dragoon Guards who died during their regiment’s recent six-month tour of duty in Afghanistan.

Emotions ran high as the soldiers who did return safely, and their families, listened to a bugler play the Last Post before holding a one-minute silence to remember their fallen comrades.

Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Colonel James Carr-Smith read out the words: “When you go home, tell them of us and say, ‘for your tomorrow we gave our today’.”

Later, he told The Press how Trooper Smith was a “very impressive soldier” whose death left the regiment “absolutely devastated”.

He said: “When I went to visit his squadron he was always pushed to the front because he was good fun and good company.

“He was hugely popular and remembering the sacrifice he made is very special, humbling and emotional.”

The medal parade, which took place in front of the stands at York Racecourse, was watched by the family of Trooper Smith, who were presented with a regimental standard.

Among the 350 soldiers and officers who received their operational medals was Warrant Officer 2 Matt Dickman, from Huby, who said Trooper Smith was hugely missed.

He said: “One of my jobs out there was to put him on the plane and send him back home. That was very difficult. He was an outstanding soldier, a bit cheeky – and we all loved him for that. He was very well-liked.”

WO2 Dickman, 39, who is married with four children, said he felt proud of his regiment’s achievements in Afghanistan.

He said: “I’m hoping that Afghani civilians can see a change in the areas where we flushed out the Taliban and gave them back control.”