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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 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. |
Hundreds of mourners gathered at St Mary's Cathedral. | |
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." |