Villagers turn out for funeral of ‘determined’ soldier

Private Matthew Haseldin, from 2nd Battalion The Mercian Regiment, was shot and killed while in the Nahr-e Saraj district of Helmand province on November 3.

Hundreds of school friends, fellow soldiers and family members packed St Alkelda’s Church in Giggleswick, North Yorkshire, for yesterday’s full military funeral.

As his funeral cortege passed, school children lined the route and, in Giggleswick, Union Flags flew on buildings as a mark of respect

At the service, he was remembered by his uncle, Barry Thompson, as someone who loved Manchester United and being with his family and friends.

“He was very competitive at everything he did. He wanted to be the best at everything he did,” he told the mourners.

He said Pte Haseldin was “no quitter” and had made his parents extremely proud when he joined the Army.

Mr Thompson told mourners of the various jobs his nephew had before joining the Army, including a stint as a hotel entertainer in Cyprus.

They applauded loudly when the tributes had finished.

Pte Haseldin, from Settle in North Yorkshire, was part of an operation to maintain freedom of movement for the local population when the group was attacked by insurgents.

His patrol was carrying out a check when they came under sustained fire.

His parents, Alan and Jill, have paid tribute to their son saying: “Matthew was a loving son and we are very proud of him.”

Yesterday, Lieutenant Colonel Colin Marks, commanding officer of 2 Mercian, also praised Pte Haseldin.

He said: “Although Private Matthew Haseldin had only served a short time with C Company Group, he stood out as a young man of immense character, who had travelled widely and was mature beyond his years.

“Hugely popular, it was impossible to tell that he was the newest member of 7 Platoon, all of whom loved him like a brother.”

He added: “He died standing firm in the face of a determined enemy, in the highest traditions of the Mercian Regiment.

“Stand easy comrade, your duty is done.

“Your sacrifice will not be in vain and our success will be your legacy. We will never forget you,” he added.