Salute for the heroes
Swindon Advertiser
www.swindonadvertiser.co.uk
5th June 2009
The bodies of three soldiers were poignantly repatriated through Wootton Bassett in the 75th ceremony of its kind. Lance Corporal Nigel Moffett from The Light Dragoons and Corporal Stephen Bolger from The Parachute Regiment and Rifleman Cyrus Thatcher were killed in Afghanistan during the last week.

Both Lance Corporal Moffett and Corporal Bolger died after an explosion that happened while on an operation near Musa Qaleh. They were serving with the Brigade Reconnaissance Force.

A fly past took place at 11am where the men returned to the Wiltshire airbase. Shortly after mid-day, as the coffins were gently and proudly carried off the gigantic C17 air transporter by the fallen heroes own military unit pall bearers, as a single bell was tolled by Lyneham Bell ringer John Simpson at St Michael and All Angel's Church, Lyneham.

After a private service on base the three coffins, draped in union flags, were escorted through Lyneham village passing a group of villagers, who regularly pay their respects for the fallen. The final journey of the hearses, then continued the journey escorted by Wiltshire Police to the John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxfordshire, passing through the neighbouring Wiltshire market town of Wootton Bassett at 1.30pm. Hundreds of people lined the High Street to pay their respects and salute to the men.

Lance Corporal Moffett was born in Holywood, Belfast, on 12th December 1980. He joined The Light Dragoons in July 2003 and served on operations with Regimental Headquarters in Iraq in 2003 and C Squadron (The Legion) in Iraq in 2005 and Afghanistan in 2006. From the very beginning he showed an enthusiasm for soldiering that stood him apart from his peers. Keen to try his hand at everything, LCpl Moffett ran, boxed, cross-country skied, hill-walked and played rugby with the regiment.

In September 2008, LCpl Moffett volunteered to join the Brigade Reconnaissance Force (BRF) for 19 Light Brigade, as the brigade began preparing for Operation HERRICK 10. The BRF is selected from across all of the units from the brigade and acts as the eyes and ears of the commander. LCpl Nigel David Moffett will be remembered by the BRF and The Light Dragoons as a tough, brave soldier who was an excellent member of the team from the outset.

His father, Nigel Moffett Senior, said: "He was a gentle soul and the eldest son. He had seven brothers and sisters and his late mother always said he was the most fantastic son and he was her right arm in bringing up his siblings. Nigel was a career solider who wanted to make the Army his focus throughout his entire career. He made his Army his home and the Army treated him like their son. Nigel felt he was prepared for operations in that he was well trained and had the right tools for the job. Both he and his family understood that ultimately he could die although we didn't want this to happen. Ultimately, Nigel was a soldier."

Corporal Bolger's family have released the following statement: "Stephen was a wonderful first born son, brother to two and friend to many; he was dearly loved and will be sorely missed. Stephen was always happy, caring and generous and we are sure that those fortunate enough to have known him will share in the loss we are now feeling. We can take some comfort knowing that he died amongst friends, doing something he loved and believed in. We are all immensely proud of him. We would ask that the press respect our need to grieve in private at this difficult time."

As preparations are being meticulously carried out for the latest and 75th ceremony in Wiltshire, it was with deep sadness that the Ministry of Defence had to announce that Rifleman Cyrus Thatcher from 2nd Battalion The Rifles was killed in Helmand province on Tuesday 2nd June 2009.

This brave soldier, from Reading was killed as a result of an explosion that happened whilst on a patrol near Gereshk. Spokesman for Task Force Helmand, Lieutenant Colonel Nick Richardson, said: "We share in the pain that is felt by his family, friends and colleagues at the loss of this courageous soldier; our thoughts and prayers are with them." Preparartions were quickly adjusted to ensure Rifleman Thatcher returned home with the other fallen heroes.