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Funeral of suicide blast soldier Funeral of suicide blast soldier
(about 2 hours later)
The funeral of a Royal Marine from Tyneside killed in a suspected suicide bomb attack in Afghanistan is due to take place later. The funeral of a Royal Marine from Tyneside killed in a suspected suicide bomb attack in Afghanistan has taken place in Newcastle.
Sgt John Manuel, from Gateshead, died with two colleagues when a wheelbarrow filled with explosives was pushed into them by a suspected bomber, aged 13.Sgt John Manuel, from Gateshead, died with two colleagues when a wheelbarrow filled with explosives was pushed into them by a suspected bomber, aged 13.
The 38-year-old, described as a hero by his family, was approaching the end of his career in the Royal Marines.The 38-year-old, described as a hero by his family, was approaching the end of his career in the Royal Marines.
A service will be held at St Mary's Cathedral in Newcastle. Hundreds of mourners gathered at St Mary's Cathedral.
Sgt Manuel died alongside Cpl Marc Birch and Marine Damian Davies in the blast in Helmand province on December 13. Sgt Manuel received full military honours before his coffin was taken to Saltwell Cemetery in Gateshead.
He died alongside Cpl Marc Birch and Marine Damian Davies in the blast in Helmand province on December 13.
The explosion killed Sgt Manuel and Cpl Birch at the scene, while Marine Davies died later in hospital at Camp Bastion.The explosion killed Sgt Manuel and Cpl Birch at the scene, while Marine Davies died later in hospital at Camp Bastion.
'Sense of humour''Sense of humour'
Sgt Manuel and Cpl Birch were serving with 45 Commando. Marine Davies was with the Commando Logistics Regiment.Sgt Manuel and Cpl Birch were serving with 45 Commando. Marine Davies was with the Commando Logistics Regiment.
A veteran of campaigns in Iraq, Belize and Kosovo, Sgt Manuel was nearing the end of his career in the Marines, and hoped to join the police force.A veteran of campaigns in Iraq, Belize and Kosovo, Sgt Manuel was nearing the end of his career in the Marines, and hoped to join the police force.
Maj Richard Maltby, his company commander, said his thoughts were with his partner Rachel.Maj Richard Maltby, his company commander, said his thoughts were with his partner Rachel.
"A limitless 'ball of fire', Sgt Manuel was at the forefront of company life," he said."A limitless 'ball of fire', Sgt Manuel was at the forefront of company life," he said.
Sgt Sean McKeown, who knew Sgt Manuel for nearly 20 years, said: "He had the courage of a lion and the personality of a hundred men."Sgt Sean McKeown, who knew Sgt Manuel for nearly 20 years, said: "He had the courage of a lion and the personality of a hundred men."
Sgt Manuel's mother Pauline said: "His determination meant he was always there for his friends and family.Sgt Manuel's mother Pauline said: "His determination meant he was always there for his friends and family.
"His support and encouragement was always invaluable."His support and encouragement was always invaluable.
"His own unique sense of humour, together with this smile and laugh, meant he could always make you smile.""His own unique sense of humour, together with this smile and laugh, meant he could always make you smile."