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Funeral for Afghanistan officer Funeral for Afghanistan officer
(39 minutes later)
The funeral is taking place of the most senior British army officer to die in action since the Falklands War. Hundreds of people are attending the funeral of the most senior British army officer to die in action since the Falklands War.
Lt Col Rupert Thorneloe, 39, from Kirtlington, Oxford, was the commanding officer of the 1st Battalion Welsh Guards, based at Aldershot, Hampshire.Lt Col Rupert Thorneloe, 39, from Kirtlington, Oxford, was the commanding officer of the 1st Battalion Welsh Guards, based at Aldershot, Hampshire.
He was killed in an explosion in Helmand province in Afghanistan on 1 July with Trooper Joshua Hammond, 18.He was killed in an explosion in Helmand province in Afghanistan on 1 July with Trooper Joshua Hammond, 18.
Prince Charles is among friends, family and military figures at the funeral in central London. Prince Charles is among those at the service in central London.
The prince, who was a friend of Col Thorneloe, had a private meeting with the soldier's family before the service.
Col Thorneloe's hearse passed through Aldershot Barracks, lined with Guardsmen, at about 1100 BST.Col Thorneloe's hearse passed through Aldershot Barracks, lined with Guardsmen, at about 1100 BST.
It was taken to the Guards Chapel at the Wellington Barracks, where a service began at 1245 BST.It was taken to the Guards Chapel at the Wellington Barracks, where a service began at 1245 BST.
Afterwards, the cortege will depart for a private service of internment. Afterwards, a private service of internment was being held.
Lt Col Thorneloe was described as an "outstanding commanding officer"Lt Col Thorneloe was described as an "outstanding commanding officer"
Col Thorneloe and Trooper Hammond, from Plymouth in Devon, of 2nd Royal Tank Regiment, were travelling as part of a resupply convoy when a bomb blew up their armoured vehicle.Col Thorneloe and Trooper Hammond, from Plymouth in Devon, of 2nd Royal Tank Regiment, were travelling as part of a resupply convoy when a bomb blew up their armoured vehicle.
Six other soldiers were injured in the blast near Lashkar Gah in Helmand province as UK and US troops launched a major offensive against Taliban militants in southern Afghanistan. Six other soldiers were injured in the blast near Lashkar Gah as UK and US troops started a major offensive against Taliban militants in southern Afghanistan.
Speaking before the ceremony, Maj Dai Bevan paid tribute to his comrade.
He said: "Col Thorneloe was an exceptionally inspirational man who always led from the front.
"All of us in the Welsh Guards feel extremely proud and privileged to have been commanded by such a capable and gifted soldier.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with his family at this heartbreaking time."
Col Thorneloe and Trooper Hammond's bodies were flown to RAF Lyneham on 6 July where a private memorial was held before the coffins passed through Wootton Bassett.Col Thorneloe and Trooper Hammond's bodies were flown to RAF Lyneham on 6 July where a private memorial was held before the coffins passed through Wootton Bassett.
Col Thorneloe was the most senior British army officer to be killed in action since Lt Col Herbert "H" Jones died at Goose Green on the Falklands on 28 May 1982.Col Thorneloe was the most senior British army officer to be killed in action since Lt Col Herbert "H" Jones died at Goose Green on the Falklands on 28 May 1982.
Prince Charles and Gordon Brown both paid tribute to the men.
Since 2001, a total of 184 UK service personnel have died in Afghanistan.Since 2001, a total of 184 UK service personnel have died in Afghanistan.