OXFORDSHIRE will fall silent today as two hearses make their way through the county from RAF Brize Norton.

Lance Corporal Jonathan McKinlay and Royal Marine David Fairbrother were both killed by small arms fire while on patrol in Afghanistan.

It will be the first time RAF Brize Norton has staged a double repat- riation since it took back the duty from RAF Lyneham at the beginning of the month.

Father-of-three Lance Corporal McKinlay, of B Company, 1st Battalion The Rifles, was killed while on patrol with his team and members of the Afghan Uniform Police last Wednesday.

The 33-year-old, from Darlington in County Durham, had been based in Afghanistan’s Helmand province since in June.

His wife Lisa said: “We are all deeply saddened by the tragic loss of Jonathan.

“He was a loving husband, son, brother, son-in-law and father to Megan, Ollie and Piper.

“He was a true friend to others and a loving husband, a real joker and my one in a million.”

Marine Fairbrother, from Blackburn, was serving with Kilo Company, 42 Commando supporting an Afghan National Army patrol in Helmand when he was killed on Monday.

The 24-year-old’s mother Julie said: “David, not only are you the sunshine of my life but you were a devoted, beautiful and giving son.

“You were my best friend and you will be in my thoughts forever. I love you with all of my heart.”

His older sister, Ruth, and her boyfriend, Craig, said: “There are no words to describe the heartbreak.

“It hurts so much inside to think we won’t see you again. We love you so much.”

His girlfriend Melissa said: “Dave, I am so glad I met you. You have changed my life in so many ways and I will cherish our time together forever.”

The first repatriation back at RAF Brize Norton on September 8, saw 4,000 people turn out to pay their respects to Sergeant Barry Weston, of 42 Royal Marine Commando.

The 42-year-old, who had just become a father for the third time, was killed by a roadside bomb while on a foot patrol in Helmand on August 30.

Oxfordshire Royal British Legion chairman Mike Henderson said: “There were a lot of people there last time because it was the first time. I hope we get as many this time. Anyone that gives the ultimate sacrifice for their country deserves to have people turn out and pay their respects.

“The families themselves comment, regarding the turnout, that it means a lot to know that the people are supporting them.”

The bodies of Lance Corporal McKinlay and Marine Fairbrother are expected to arrive at RAF Brize Norton at 2.30pm.

The cortege will arrive at the purpose-built memorial garden in Norton Way, Brize Norton, at about 4.30pm and at the John Radcliffe Hospital at about 5pm.

MEMBERS of the public wishing to pay their respects in Carterton will be able to use two free car parks, with no time restrictions, which are close to the memorial garden.

One is in Northwood Crescent and is the main car park for cars, coaches and motorcycles.

The other is at The Sports Pavilion in Monahan Way, which is dedicated for Blue Badge holder parking.

Both car parks are signposted.