Soldiers pay tribute to fallen comradesat cathedral after tour of Afghanistan

Paul Jeeves

HUNDREDS of soldiers paid an emotional tribute in one of Yorkshire’s famous cathedrals yesterday to two of their fallen comrades who were killed during a gruelling tour in Afghanistan.

More than 400 troops from 4 Regiment Royal Artillery, based at Alanbrooke Barracks in Topcliffe in North Yorkshire, attended a memorial and service of thanksgiving at Ripon Cathedral.

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The regiment has recently returned from a six-month tour of Afghanistan during which two of its members were killed.

Gunner Zak Cusack, 20, from Stoke-on-Trent, died from a gunshot wound after coming under fire in Helmand Province in May, while Bombardier Stephen Gilbert, 36, died a month later after being badly wounded in an explosion.

He never regained consciousness after being injured and died a fortnight later on June 26 while in hospital in Birmingham with his wife, Jackie, by his side.

The soldier, who was originally from Scotland and lived at Topcliffe, leaves two sons, Connor and Kristian.

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Soldiers from the regiment, which recruits mainly in the North-East of England, will march through Sunderland city centre today to mark their return from their tour in Afghanistan.

Meanwhile, scores of soldiers based at Catterick Garrison in North Yorkshire will have their own return from a six-month tour in Afghanistan honoured today with the presentation of their operational medals.

The troops are all members of Headquarters 4th Mechanized Brigade and 204 Signal Squadron who were deployed to Task Force Helmand under the command of Brigadier Richard Felton.

During the tour, more than 50 soldiers lost their lives.

Brigadier Felton and the Mayor of Richmond Town Council, Coun Barry Heap, will present the soldiers with their medals at a ceremony in Richmond Castle.

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