Funeral tributes to a 'great, brave soldier'

ALMOST 200 people gathered at Chesterfield crematorium yesterday to pay tribute to Private Ben Ford - the young soldier "with a heart of solid gold" killed while serving in Afghanistan.

Pte Ford, aged 18, of Salisbury Avenue, Newbold Moor, was killed in an explosion in Afghanistan while serving with the 2nd Mercian Regiment.

Comrades, family and friends gathered at the crematorium to say their final farewell to the "brave and great soldier" who loved his job.

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Little sister Emma bravely faced the congregation to pay tribute to her brother during the service.

"His heart was solid gold, 22 carat," she said.

"I will never forget him, I love you brother."

Emma, 16, who has just begun her own army career, also said how she hoped she could be "the soldier that he was".

Soldiers, including Lance Corporal Ryan Knight who was in a wheelchair after also being injured in the blast that killed Pte Ford, were among the mourners.

The Ford family, including mum Jane, 49, dad Trevor, 54 and Emma, said Ben had wanted to join the army "since the moment he could talk" and that he had ambitions of joining the SAS.

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Speaking before the funeral, Pte Ford's platoon commander Lieutenant Nick Lygo said: "I will always remember his sharp wit and his dedication to everything he did.

"He fought courageously, both out in the field and in the boxing ring – he had never boxed before the regiment's tournament at the barracks in Hounslow but he took to it like a duck to water.

"His courage was tremendous and he was always the first soldier through the compound wall.

"Today we have said goodbye to a brave and great soldier."

Pte Ford was taking part in a routine patrol near Lashkar Gah when his Wimik Land Rover was caught in an explosion on September 5.

It was his first overseas deployment.

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His friend and colleague Private Damian Wright, 23, of Mansfield, was also killed in the explosion. His funeral was due to take place today.

Pte Ford's coffin was carried into the crematorium to the song Eye of the Tiger.

During the service, Padre Kevin Savage spoke of his dedication to army life.

"He was a courageous young man who simply wanted to be a great soldier in the Army," he said.

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"He had a sharp sense of humour and a great sense of honour. He just loved being a soldier."

Jane broke down in tears as she was handed her son's cap before a bugler sounded The Last Post.

The service ended with the Dire Straits song Brothers in Arms before the final military tribute of a 21-gun salute.

The funeral of RAF serviceman Christopher Bridge was due to take place in Sheffield today.

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The 20-year-old was killed at the end of last month when the vehicle he was travelling in was caught up in an explosion in Afghanistan.

The funeral was at St James' and St Christopher's Church in Shiregreen, followed by burial at Shiregreen Cemetery.

Would you like to pay tribute to Ben or Christopher? Click here to go to our book of condolence where you can leave a message.