Funeral of soldier who died in Afghan tragedy

Private Alex Isaac, 20, from 1st Battalion the Mercian Regiment, was the last of the four men killed in the incident to be laid to rest, yesterday at Eastham Parish Church, near his home in Wirral, Merseyside.

The soldiers had been based in Helmand province helping train officers from the Afghan National Police.

They died near Gereshk, Helmand province, on June 23 when their Ridgeback vehicle left the road and plunged into the Nahr-e-Bughra canal. An investigation into the incident has now been launched.

Pte Isaac died alongside L/Cpl David Ramsden, 26, from the 1st Battalion The Yorkshire Regiment, whose funeral took place on Wednesday in Otley, and Pte Douglas Halliday and Colour Sgt Martyn Horton.

Hundreds of people lined the streets of Eastham village as Pte Isaac's coffin arrived draped in the Union Flag and accompanied by an honour guard of mounted Merseyside Police officers. Local veterans from ex-forces associations formed a guard of honour.

The soldier's parents, Annette and John, his brothers Chris and Robert and girlfriend Megan Anyon led the mourners in a service which was packed with loving tributes.

The vicar of Eastham, Rev Beth Glover, said: "His family knew him, as you all knew him, as one in a million.

"Fun to be with, somebody with an often wicked but distinct sense of humour which could drive away anybody's blues and often did.".

Paul Ellis, padre of the Mercian Regiment, read tributes from Pte Isaac's family, including his brother Robert, who said: "You were strong, brave, courageous and funny.

"You always made me laugh when I was down, you were a people person, a likeable character.

"Nothing I can say today will bring you back but you will always be with me in my heart."