A SPECIAL shell casing commemorating service personnel who lost their lives in Afghanistan will be showcased in Salisbury.

SSAFA Wilts will have the Afghanistan shell case on display at the Salisbury Motorcycle Action Group (MAG) Spring Surprise Bike Show on Sunday (April 19), from midday to 4pm in the Market Square.

The Afghanistan shell case, a brass 105 shell, has the names of the 453 British service personnel killed during the Afghanistan conflict from 2001 to 2014.

It has been donated to SSAFA Wilts by engraver Vince Ayris.

SSAFA Wilts will use the Afghanistan Shell Case to acknowledge the sacrifices made by servicemen and women.

Colonel Common, the SSAFA Wilts’ branch secretary said: “SSAFA Wilts is both thankful and honoured to be given this shell case, which serves as a stark yet poignant reminder of those we lost in long years of battle. As a charity, we know that the legacy of Afghanistan has yet to be realised in terms of our work, but we are ready to support those who may need our help, just as we have done since 1885.

“We chose to showcase the Afghanistan Shell Case here at Salisbury MAGs Spring Surprise because the biking fraternity are known supporters of the military and veteran communities, and because of the city’s longstanding military connections.”

The Afghanistan shell case will be used over the coming months at various events around the country to highlight the military charities work and will return to Tidworth in September at the upcoming British Forces Resettlement Services Fair.