HOLDING back tears, the family and friends of a fallen soldier watched as he took his final journey yesterday.

Private Matthew Haseldin, below, of 2nd Battalion the Mercian Regiment, was killed in Afghanistan last Thursday by a gunshot wound. He was 21.

About 600 people gathered in solemn silence at the memorial garden in Norton Way, Brize Norton, to pay their respects.

As the hearse carrying his body stopped in front of them, his family, friends and mourners laid flowers and crucifixes on the car.

Zena Baker, 65, of Royal Wootton Bassett, broke down as she placed a cross on the hearse.

She said: “I put it on the hearse from the people of Royal Wootton Bassett.

“Even though it has stopped in Royal Wootton Bassett, I wanted to be here today to pay my respects. I hope it helped the family.”

Some 25 members of Private Haseldin’s regiment travelled from Worcestershire, where the regiment is based, to be at the repatriation. Captain John Pickering said: “We are here to pay our respects to a fallen comrade, and to support the family through this very difficult time.

“During these times we all do a lot of soul searching and think about things and the way they happen. It is very humbling to be here.”

Three standard bearers from the Worcestershire and Sherwood Foresters Regimental Association also attended.

Secretary Maurice Smith said: “We are here to support one of our young men and his family. It is a sad time.”

Carterton mayor Norman MacRae said: “It is another tragedy for a family that such a young life has been lost.

“But it is nice that the public has come and supported the family, and it is particularly fitting with Armistice Day and Remembrance Day coming.”

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