Hundreds of mourners lined the street in Handforth this afternoon for the military funeral of a soldier who was tragically killed in Afghanistan last month.
Lance Corporal Jamie Webb of 1st Battalion The Mercian Regiment (Cheshire) died as a result of wounds sustained during an insurgent attack on his patrol base in Helmand Province on 25th March.
Jamie's family were joined today by his colleagues from the army, people from the community, the Lord Lieutenant of Cheshire and other dignitaries from the community for his funeral at Saint Chad's Church in his home town of Handforth.
As the funeral procession approached the church the crowds clapped and threw single roses onto the bonnet of the hearse.
Speakers relayed the service, led by Steve Burmester the Vicar of St Chads, to mourners gathered outside the church, who were unable to fit inside.
The 24-year-old soldier was born in Wythenshawe and attended Wilmslow High School and Macclesfield College.
His family previously issued the following statement "We are so proud of Jamie being a Mercian soldier. Jamie is loved by his dad, Dave, mum, Sue, and his close family and friends."
During Prime Minister's Questions today, David Cameron paid tribute to Jamie Jonathan Webb, who he described as an 'outstanding professional', for his heroic service to our country.
George Osborne MP said "Lance Corporal Jamie Webb was a true hero who died serving our country. I've read for myself the tributes paid to him by the soldiers he worked alongside and it is clear he was an exceptional person who was courageous, determined and a friend to many. As a father myself, I can only imagine the terrible pain and sadness that Jamie's parents and family are feeling at the moment.
"Our prayers are with them as the whole of our community honours his memory and his selfless sacrifice on behalf of us all."
Comments
Here's what readers have had to say so far. Why not add your thoughts below.
Rest in peace friend.