Farewell to hero brother
Published Date:
13 August 2008
THE brother of a British soldier shot dead in southern Afghanistan paid an emotional tribute yesterday to his "best friend and hero".
Sergeant Jonathan Mathews, 35, from Edinburgh, was killed while on foot patrol in Helmand Province on 28 July.
The soldier, from The Highlanders, 4th Battalion, the Royal Regiment of Scotland, attached to the 1st Battalion Royal Irish Regiment, is survived by his wife Shona, daughter, Meghan, and stepson, William.
More than 350 mourners gathered yesterday at a funeral service at the Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church in Penicuik, Midlothian.
During the service, Sgt Mathews's brother, David, said his family was his "greatest love and passion". He added: "He was a proud Royal Scot and finally sergeant in the Royal Regiment of Scotland. In my eyes, he was fearless and courageous beyond measure. I will miss him, but so will so many of us here."
The 35-year-old was the 113th British soldier killed in Afghanistan since 2001.
The full article contains 164 words and appears in The Scotsman newspaper.
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Last Updated:
12 August 2008 10:16 PM
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Source:
The Scotsman
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Location:
Edinburgh
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Related Topics:
British armed forces