10/11/2009

Soldiers' Bodies Return To The UK

The bodies of six British soldiers killed in Afghanistan, including five who were killed when a "rogue" Afghan policeman turned his gun on them - will be repatriated later.

Guardsman Jimmy Major (18), Warrant Officer Darren Chant (40), Sgt Matthew Telford (37), Cpl Steven Boote (22) and Cpl Nicholas Webster-Smith (24) died on November 3rd in the attack claimed by the Taliban.

Sgt Phillip Scott (30) was killed by an improvised explosive device near Sangin in Helmand on Thursday.

The bodies will arrive at RAF Lyneham, Wilts. After a private ceremony hearses carrying Union flag-draped coffins will pass along the high street of Wootton Bassett.

Hundreds of people are expected to line the streets to pay their respects.

WO Chant, from east London, Sgt Telford, from Grimsby and Guardsman Major, from Cleethorpes, were from the Grenadier Guards.

Territorial Army volunteer Cpl Boote, from Birkenhead and Cpl Webster-Smith, from Brackley, belonged to the Royal Military Police.

Sgt Scott, from North Yorkshire, was from the 3rd Battalion The Rifles.

(GK/BMcC)

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