Last Post for Three Tragic Soldiers
Swindon Advertiser
www.swindonadvertiser.co.uk
31st August 2007
by Hayley Court
THE Last Post played as one by one the bodies of the three soldiers killed in Afghanistan were carried from a C17 at RAF Lyneham.

Private Aaron McClure, 19, of Ipswich, Private John Thrumble, 21, of Chelmesford, and Private Robert Foster, 19, of Harlow, were killed during friendly fire on August 23 while patrolling in Helmand Province.

I joined Wootton Bassett Police as they prepared to accompany the repatriation entourage from the airstrip at Lyneham to Swindon. The 20-strong team of officers spread along the route had stayed on shift for the evening to volunteer for the duty.

We met the three hearses at Lyneham main gate, each coffin draped in a Union Flag. A single soldier, on his way home for the evening, dropped his kit bag and stood smartly to attention before saluting. "This is the last thing the military can do for them now" explained PC Jarra Brown - "show them their respect."

Privates McClure, Thrumble, and Foster, who were serving with Seven Platoon Suffolk Company, were in an area north-west of Kajaki when they were killed by US F15 aircraft. The fighter aircraft were called in to help during an assault from Taliban fighters. It is thought that a bomb deployed by one of the aircraft and intended for Taliban militia claimed the lives of the soldiers and injured two others. All three young servicemen were pronounced dead at the scene.

Driving through Lyneham ahead of the procession there was an eerie calm resting over the village and not a person to be seen. For the service personnel who make up the small community, this is too close to home and they choose to mark the occasion in private.

As we entered Wootton Bassett it dawned on me that the combined age of these three tragic soldiers doesn't equal that of any of the war veterans lining the High Street. More than 100 people stood silently on either side of the road bowing their heads as our sombre procession passed by.

A queue of oncoming traffic formed as one by one motorist stepped out of their vehicles as a mark of respect.

Although this was the 23rd such occasion for Wiltshire Police, the meaning has never lost its impact. Jarra said: "We each still get a lump in our throat when you see the support and respect the people of Wootton Bassett pay to these poor souls. "We will never be blasé about it, yes it has become part of our job but it's an honour not a chore."

After we left Wootton Bassett we continued to Swindon where the three servicemen will be transferred into the custody of Wiltshire coroner, David Masters pending the inquest into their deaths. With 54 bodies having already been repatriated at the airbase you could be forgiven for being desensitised to the constant convoys passing through the villages and towns.

But and respect and dignity the people of Wootton Bassett and of Wiltshire have shown these brave soldiers is something that will live on for ever.

Consideration and Appreciation
The consideration and mark of respect being paid by the local community and Wiltshire Constabulary for these regular weekly repatriation ceremonies and onward convoy journeys to the Wiltshire Coroner, has been appreciated worldwide. We read various other website forums that this consideration has been well documented and the comments of the community appreciation provides invaluable support to the grieve family and friends..

Dear Sir/Madam, I have just read comments posted on the Army Rumour Website, regarding your officer's dedication, during the repatriation of three British soldiers killed in Afghanistan. Whilst I am sure that repeated events such as this, cause a strain on your resources, I would ask that you pass my personal thanks onto the officers concerned. Acts such as these, reinforce the links between the military and the Police Service. Bravo. In an age where respect is lacking in so many areas, it is a mark of your organisation and officers, to continue to provide this invaluable support. Yours sincerely, T Ward

I would like to thank the police officers. Who lined the street through Wootton Bassett, for the repatriation of fallen service personnel. As a member of the armed forces. It is comforting that those officers have respect for our fallen. Please pass my thanks on to the officers involved.

Well done to your officer for been there when the bodies of fallen comrade have been brought home. They are a credit to your force and the police service. Well done KD- xRAMC-Iraq & Afghanistan

As an ex-serviceman, I just wanted to say how much I appreciated the thoughtful remarks of PC Jarra Brown and the kind gesture of police officers accompanying the repatriation entourage from Lyneham to Swindon as reported above

The Tragic Soldiers Profiles

Private Aaron James McClure
Private McClure, aged 19, from Ipswich, nicknamed 'Troy', enlisted into the British Army in March 2006 and having completed training as a rifleman at the Infantry Training Centre Catterick, he joined the 1st Battalion, The Royal Anglian Regiment in October the same year. He had recently participated in exercises in the UK and Kenya.

As a rifleman in 7 Platoon B (Suffolk) Company Private McClure had been serving in Helmand Province in Afghanistan since March 2007 on his first operational tour. During this time he had been involved in numerous fierce engagements with the Taliban frequently at close range, often in dangerous situations and in the most demanding of environments. 'Troy' quickly established himself as a highly capable, motivated and brave soldier.

His quiet, unassuming nature was founded on an inner confidence that saw him excel at a very early stage in his career; he was a rising star within the Company who had a bright future. Widely regarded as a first-rate soldier, notable for his complete reliability and commitment, it was in contact with the enemy where he displayed his true ability working selflessly to support the remainder of his platoon without complaint; characteristics he will be remembered for. Private McClure's friendly, modest exterior belied a soldier who was focused, physically and mentally tough, and intent on doing the utmost for his team-mates. His presence will be missed immensely by all within the Company. Source: MoD Website

Private Robert Graham Foster
Private Foster, aged 19, from Harlow, enlisted into the British Army in April 2006 and after completing training as a rifleman at the Infantry Training Centre Catterick, he joined the 1st Battalion, The Royal Anglian Regiment in October the same year. He had recently participated in exercises in the UK and Kenya.

Private Foster had been serving in Helmand Province in Afghanistan since March 2007 as a rifleman in 7 Platoon B (Suffolk) Company. It was his first operational tour and like Private McClure, he saw significant action during his short time with the Battalion, being involved in numerous, often close quarter, engagements with the Taliban in the most demanding circumstances. In these situations he fought with a strength and courage that belied his relative inexperience, testament to his unswerving commitment to his fellow soldiers.

Private Foster was one of the Company's real characters. An extrovert by nature, his gregarious approach was a refreshing relief from the stresses of combat; unsurprisingly he was hugely popular within his platoon and the wider Company. He had the rare quality to always see the bright side of any situation, irrespective of the severity of events. His confidence and excellent sense of humour shone through at every stage, lifting the morale of all those around him.

An accomplished rifleman who worked hard for his mates, Private Foster clearly enjoyed Army life and being amongst his fellow soldiers. He had a bright future in a career that he loved. His absence will be felt deeply within the Company. Source: MoD Website

Private John Thrumble
Private Thrumble, aged 21, from Chelmsford, enlisted into the British Army in April 2004 and joined the 1st Battalion, The Royal Anglian Regiment in July 2005 after completing his training as a rifleman at the Infantry Training Centre Catterick. In the same year he completed a tour with the Battalion in Iraq, on Operation Telic 6, where he served with distinction. He had recently participated in exercises in the UK, Canada and Kenya.

As a machine gunner in 7 Platoon B (Suffolk) Company Private Thrumble had been serving in Helmand Province in Afghanistan since March 2007. During this time he had been involved in numerous, close quarter engagements with the enemy where he had proven himself to be a brave, tenacious and steadfast soldier who would not yield irrespective of the circumstances - in a fight he was always there for his mates.

Private Thrumble was a unique character, known by all within B (Suffolk) Company for his quirky sense of humour and unshakably high morale. He had the rare ability to 'light up' any situation with a well timed, good humoured remark or gesture that would always raise the morale of his fellow soldiers. A kind-hearted and sincere soldier, he had developed into a highly competent and professional infantryman who loved his job and Army life; he revelled in the operational challenges of service in Afghanistan. He talked enthusiastically of the upcoming promotion course where he aspired to succeed and gain promotion to Lance Corporal. Sadly his significant potential will go unrealised. Source: MoD Website