Town turns out
for fallen soldier
15th June 2007
Swindon Advertiser
www.swindonadvertiser.co.uk
AS the body of the 150th soldier to be killed in Iraq was borne
the in solemn procession along Wootton Bassett High Street,
residents of all ages stopped to pay their respects. The body
of 30-year-old Corporal Rodney Wilson, of 4th Battalion The
Rifles, was flown back to RAF Lyneham yesterday afternoon.
Wootton Bassett Mayor Audrey Wannell joined members of the
Royal British Legion and shoppers who lined up along the
road as the hearse drove past.
Former soldiers saluted as their fallen colleague, whose
coffin was draped in a Union flag, was taken home. Cpl Wilson
was killed as he rescued a wounded colleague during heavy
fire on June 7th. His commanding officer, Lt Col
Patrick Saunders, said it had been a supremely selfless and
brave act. Cpl Wilson leaves behind a fiancée as well
as his family, friends and hs dog Missy.
Among those who turned out to pay their respects was former
Rifles corporal Terry Ellison. "These guys go out there
and are dying for their country," said
the 69-year-old, of Wootton Bassett. I think it is
only right that we are here to show our appreciation of what
they have sacrificed for us and
to welcome them back. This one means a bit more to
me as it is a soldier from my old regiment. I'm surprised
by how many people have turned out, but it is nice to see
how many people are paying their respects."
Rachel Moore had been shopping when she saw the crowd gathered
near the war memorial. "I think it is only right that we take a few moments
to acknowledge everything this young man has given up for
his country," said the 31-year-old.
"I think it's also really important for the children
to see it and for them to learn about what is going on in
a country that seems a long way away from our lives here
in Wiltshire."
Coun Wannell said the number of people paying tribute to
the soldier was lovely. "We usually have a good crowd
of people who turn out to honour the fallen and we have a
phone network so people
know when it is happening," she said. "It is nice to know that people living in the area
know how much it matters that we pay our respects. "We
can give half an hour of our lives to do this, the poor soldiers
who are being repatriated don't have any
more time."
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