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| Version 5 | Version 6 |
|---|---|
| Brother's tribute to army 'hero' | Brother's tribute to army 'hero' |
| (about 5 hours 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". |
| Jon, you will always be, and you always have been, my brother, my best friend and my hero David Mathews | Jon, you will always be, and you always have been, my brother, my best friend and my hero David Mathews |
| 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. |
| "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." |
| 'Great cost' | 'Great cost' |
| The coffin, draped in the Union flag, was carried into the church by a bearer party of soldiers to the sound of Amazing Grace. | The coffin, draped in the Union flag, was carried into the church by a bearer party of soldiers to the sound of Amazing Grace. |
| Father Stephen Sharkey told the congregation Sgt Mathews would be remembered as a man who selflessly gave his life to help others. | Father Stephen Sharkey told the congregation Sgt Mathews would be remembered as a man who selflessly gave his life to help others. |
| Quoting Sgt Mathews' commanding officer in Afghanistan, Major Rob Armstrong, he told mourners: "He would always lead by example and sacrifice his comforts for those of his men. | Quoting Sgt Mathews' commanding officer in Afghanistan, Major Rob Armstrong, he told mourners: "He would always lead by example and sacrifice his comforts for those of his men. |
| The funeral took place in Penicuik | |
| "Having been involved in numerous contacts with Sgt Mathews, I would confidently place my life in his hands, as I so often had to, knowing that he would look after all of us." | "Having been involved in numerous contacts with Sgt Mathews, I would confidently place my life in his hands, as I so often had to, knowing that he would look after all of us." |
| Addressing the soldier's family members, including his parents Bill and Anne, Fr Sharkey added: "I know your hearts are broken, but your hearts are also bursting with pride. | Addressing the soldier's family members, including his parents Bill and Anne, Fr Sharkey added: "I know your hearts are broken, but your hearts are also bursting with pride. |
| "Jon gave his life for others, helping others. | "Jon gave his life for others, helping others. |
| "Jon selflessly served his country with great cost." | "Jon selflessly served his country with great cost." |
| The church service was followed by a private service at Edinburgh's Mortonhall Crematorium. | The church service was followed by a private service at Edinburgh's Mortonhall Crematorium. |
| 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. |