Young sons stand proud as their father's cortege passes through Wiltshire town

Corallee Markland took her place among the crowd at Wootton Bassett, in Wiltshire, to lay flowers on the hearse of her husband, Warrant Officer Class 2 David Markland, 36.

Their two sons Keelen, aged 10, and Logan, seven, also braved biting wind to watch their father’s body return to the UK.

The brothers, each wearing a winter coat, looked resolute as the cortege – also carrying the bodies of two other soldiers – made its way past the war memorial.

Mrs Markland was seen to tenderly stroke the cheek of one boy just before the cars arrived.

WO2 Markland, was killed in a blast from an improvised explosive device on Monday.

The father of two, a Royal Engineer Search Advisor, was part of a team clearing routes of explosives in Nad-e-Ali in Helmand.

Born in Euxton, Lancashire, he became a sapper and instructor during his 20 years’ service, and was on his eighth tour of duty when he died. He had previously served in Iraq and Bosnia.

The family had earlier watched a plane carrying the bodies land at nearby RAF Lyneham.

A private ceremony was held at the base’s chapel before hundreds of people once more lined the streets of Wootton to watch the cortege drive pass along the High Street.

WO2 Markland’s relatives said in a statement after his death: “Dave was a wonderful husband, father, son and brother. His family and friends all loved and adored him. Keelen and Logan will always remember how funny and playful Dad was. He was proud to be in the British Army just like his Dad.”

Also repatriated were Corporal Johnathan Moore, 22, and Private Sean McDonald, 26, of The Royal Scots Borderers, 1st Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland.

Both were killed in Afghanistan a day before WO2 Markland, in an explosion near Sangin.

Cpl Moore was born in Bellshill, Lanarkshire, and grew up in Hamilton.

Pte McDonald was born in Toronto and went to school in Edinburgh.