British troops in Afghanistan attended remembrance services for four of their comrades, including the 200th UK soldier to be killed in the country.

As the sun went down in Helmand Province yesterday, vigils were held for Lance Bombardier Matthew Hatton, 23, Rifleman Daniel Wild, 19, Captain Mark Hale, 42, and Private Richard Hunt, 21.

The moving ceremonies at Camp Bastion and Lashkar Gah, the main bases for British forces in Helmand, included prayers and the reading of eulogies to the fallen men. This was followed by a private “ramp ceremony” at Camp Bastion as three of the soldiers’ coffins, including that of York soldier Matthew Hatton, were loaded on to an RAF aircraft to be flown back to the United Kingdom today.

Meanwhile, the head of the Army last night demanded more equipment to tackle the home-made bombs which have proved deadly in Afghanistan. General Sir Richard Dannatt said countering improvised explosive devices was a “major tactical battle that we have got to win”.

Gen Dannatt, who is due to leave his post later this month, said: “Improvised explosive devices are a major issue at the moment. They are a major tactical battle that we have got to win and we need to roll out more equipment so that we have permanent 24/7 surveillance over the most difficult areas and so we can target the Taliban as they are laying these things.”