Families say farewell to fallen troops
11:00am Friday 10th May 2013 in News 
FAMILIES of three fallen soldiers said their final goodbyes to their loved ones yesterday as their bodies were brought home.
Corporal William Savage and Fusilier Samuel Flint, both from 2nd Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland, and Private Robert Hetherington, from 7th Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland, were repatriated to RAF Brize Norton yesterday.
They were killed in Afghanistan?s Helmand Province on April 30 after their armoured vehicle was hit by an improvised explosive device.
About 500 people lined the roads around the memorial garden, on the edge of Carterton, to pay their respects to the fallen servicemen.
Major Matt Sheldrick, from 2nd Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland, was Cpl Savage?s commanding officer in Afghanistan.
He said: ?He was a pivotal member of the command. He was outstanding and he really was going places.
?He was affable, friendly and very approachable ? he was loved by the ?Jocks? and respected by the chain of command. He was just a great guy to be around. It is terrible to come and do this, especially when you know he had such a bright future.?
Lance Corporal Herbline Biscette, from 2nd Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland, said: ?He was a funny guy and he was always smiling. He was the motivation for all of us.?
Captain Mick Green, formerly of 2nd Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland, said: ?If you wanted to rely on someone to get something done, he was one of the guys you wanted. It is just heartbreaking when this happens. It is only right I can be here to pay my respects.?
Cpl Savage, 30, was born in Irvine, Scotland, and had completed a tour of Iraq and two previous tours of Afghanistan. He was a keen skier and a kayak instructor.
His wife Lyndsey said: ?I have lost the love of my life and the father of our son.
?I know his life will live on through so many amazing memories that we shared together. He will be deeply missed amongst family, friends and the regiment.?
Fusilier Flint, 21, was born in Blackpool and joined the British Army in November 2011. The avid Manchester City fan was deployed to Afghanistan in March.
His family, who laid blue flowers ? City?s colours ? on his hearse yesterday, said: ?The whole family is completely devastated. Everyone should know that Sam loved his job and made his whole family and everyone that knew him very proud.?
Pte Hetherington was born in America in 1987 and was raised and educated in Scotland. He joined the Territorial Army in 2006 and was deployed in November.
He represented Scotland at lacrosse and had a passion for music.
His family chose not to attend the repatriation ceremony and the hearse carrying his body took another route to the John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford.
Hundreds of people lined the route to the hospital, including about 150 at Headley Way.
Royal British Legion county chairman Jim Lewendon said: ?Hopefully, this will be the last one.?
Source: http://www.oxfordmail.co.uk/news/10411076.Families_say_farewell_to_fallen_troops/?ref=rss
Diaper the beach Fear Airport Terminal easter bunny easter april fools pranks
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.