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Brother's tribute to army 'hero' | Brother's tribute to army 'hero' |
(19 minutes later) | |
The brother of a British soldier shot dead in southern Afghanistan has paid an emotional tribute to his "best friend and hero". | The brother of a British soldier shot dead in southern Afghanistan has paid an emotional tribute to his "best friend and hero". |
Sgt Jonathan Mathews, 35, of The Highlanders, 4th Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland, died on 28 July. | Sgt Jonathan Mathews, 35, of The Highlanders, 4th Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland, died on 28 July. |
He was killed while on foot patrol in Helmand Province after his party were fired on by Taliban fighters. | He was killed while on foot patrol in Helmand Province after his party were fired on by Taliban fighters. |
About 350 mourners gathered for Sgt Mathews' funeral in his hometown of Penicuik at the Sacred Heart RC Church. | About 350 mourners gathered for Sgt Mathews' funeral in his hometown of Penicuik at the Sacred Heart RC Church. |
He is survived by his wife Shona, daughter Meghan and stepson William. | He is survived by his wife Shona, daughter Meghan and stepson William. |
During the service, David Mathews recounted childhood memories of his brother and said his family was his "greatest love and passion". | During the service, David Mathews recounted childhood memories of his brother and said his family was his "greatest love and passion". |
He went on: "He was a proud Royal Scot and finally sergeant in the Royal Regiment of Scotland. | He went on: "He was a proud Royal Scot and finally sergeant in the Royal Regiment of Scotland. |
The funeral took place in Penicuik | |
"It has been written this week that Jon died doing what he loved. This is very true, and we are proud of him. | "It has been written this week that Jon died doing what he loved. This is very true, and we are proud of him. |
"In my eyes, he was fearless and courageous beyond measure. I will miss him, but so will so many of us here." | "In my eyes, he was fearless and courageous beyond measure. I will miss him, but so will so many of us here." |
He added finally: "Jon, you will always be, and you always have been, my brother, my best friend and my hero." | He added finally: "Jon, you will always be, and you always have been, my brother, my best friend and my hero." |
Sgt Mathews was in Afghanistan providing mentoring and training for the Afghan Army. | Sgt Mathews was in Afghanistan providing mentoring and training for the Afghan Army. |
He was shot west of the town of Lashkar Gah, as UK troops patrolled alongside Afghan army personnel. | He was shot west of the town of Lashkar Gah, as UK troops patrolled alongside Afghan army personnel. |
The soldier's battalion was attached to 1st Battalion The Royal Irish Regiment. | The soldier's battalion was attached to 1st Battalion The Royal Irish Regiment. |