Mourners gather for Army sharpshooter who didn't live to see his baby son

Rifleman Liam Maughan, of 3rd Battalion The Rifles, was shot and killed while on watch in Sangin, Helmand Province, on March 6.

The 18-year-old became a father shortly before his death but never saw his newborn son, Jayden.

Crowds braved bitter temperatures and driving rain as they lined the streets around St Lawrence Church in Hatfield, South Yorkshire, where Rifleman Maughan's funeral took place.

As the hearse carrying his coffin approached, which included a white floral tribute that spelled out 'Dad', a spontaneous ripple of applause rose from those gathered.

Rifleman Maughan's coffin, topped with his regimental cap, belt and a wreath of poppies, was carried into church to the Band Of Brothers theme tune.

Many mourners in the small village - where a handful of shops had covered their doors with Union flags and black ribbons - remained outside and listened to the service through loud speakers.

His father, David, gave a eulogy for his son during the service.

He said that as a child his son was an "easy baby" who was "always happy, smiling and relaxed" and these qualities transcended into adult life.

"He was a beautiful little boy", Mr Maughan said. "I was constantly approached by women fussing over him and telling us what a beautiful little boy he was and how he would break hearts one day.

"Liam continued to receive this type of comment throughout his life but we never imagined in our darkest nightmares just how that heartbreak would manifest itself."

He also said his son had managed throughout his life to get into "scrapes" but get away with it.

"He did not see danger, serious was not in his vocabulary, he took everything in his stride and nothing fazed him."

He added: "I thought, I hoped, it would be this knack of his for getting away with it that would keep him safe in Afghanistan.

"I thought he was indestructible, and that he would return as unaffected and unimpressed as he was with most things."

Mr Maughan also said his son would have had a "long and successful" career in the military and added: "But that was not to be and we all know now what life had in store for him and for us.

"We've all been fortunate enough to know Liam and love Liam the boy and Liam the teenager.

"But we have been robbed of ever knowing Liam the man and Liam the father, although we will still love him forever."

peaking before the service, Major Chris Willis, Officer Commander, 3rd Battalion Rifles Rear Operations, paid tribute to Rifleman Maughan.

He said: "This is a great loss to the Rifles.

"A young man full of potential - a young man who had already demonstrated the highest qualities that one could ask for in a Rifle.

"His comrades will miss him as much as his family, probably because of the tight relationship that they work together under in such a place as Afghanistan."

When asked why he thought so many people had turned out to pay their respects, Major Willis said: "If you've ever been in the military, people will just instantly recognise the bond and the significance of the kind of loss as this, and that's why they've turned out.

"I think they feel they want to express that they understand and want to support the family and the regiment."

Rifleman Maughan's coffin was carried out of church to Oasis's Don't Look Back In Anger before being taken for a private family cremation.