A CORNER of Oxford fell silent yesterday evening as the bodies of two British soldiers arrived in the city.

Members of the Marston Royal British Legion lowered their flags as the coffins of Ranger David Dalzell, 20, of 1st Battalion The Royal Irish Regiment, and Warrant Officer Class 2 (Company Sergeant Major) Colin Beckett, 36, of 3rd Battalion The Parachute Regiment, arrived at the John Radcliffe Hospital.

Standard bearers from the Royal British Legion and other associations, pictured, turned out to pay their respects.

The RBL’s repatriation coordinator Jim Lewendon said: “About 200 people turned out. I hope the families will be proud; that’s what we do it for.”

John Weston, 68, from Southmoor, near Abingdon, watched as the cortege passed along the A420, from RAY Lyneham. He said: “I show my respect on each occasion. It’s heart breaking every week. I say a small prayer as they pass.

“I lost my wife in November and I know how those families who have lost a loved one will be feeling. There is no greater loss than losing someone.”