Soldier killed in Afghanistan is laid to rest in Blackburn (From Lancashire Telegraph)

Soldier killed in Afghanistan is laid to rest in Blackburn

8:00pm Thursday 11th March 2010 in

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BLACKBURN came to a standstill today as ‘superhero’ soldier Lance Sergeant David Walker, who was shot dead in Afghanistan, was given a full military funeral.

On a day of heartbreak and extreme emotion it all became too much to bear.

The son of Lance Sergeant Walker took to the lecturn at St Alban’s RC Church, Larkhill, Blackburn, to read a prepared tribute to his father.

Darren Lonsdale bravely attempted to fight back tears, but by the end of the second sentence it had just become too difficult.

As he broke down in grief, an army colleague stepped forward and read the heartfelt words that revealed the pride his five children had in their ‘superhero’ father.

The tribute from his children Sarah, Fiona, Darren, Trisha and James, read: “Dad, we took everything in and it is written in our hearts. Without you we would not be the kids we are today.

“Here’s to you father from your forever grateful kids.

“You are our hero Dad. You are our secure foundation.

“When we think of you we are full of love.

“You have a place of honour deep within our hearts. When we needed you, you were always there. You have been our superhero from the very start.

“We will always love you. Rest in peace Dad.”

Six hundred people – family, friends, 80 soldiers, members of the Royal British Legion and dignitaries – came together for L/Sgt Walker’s final goodbye as Blackburn played host to a full military funeral for the first time in years.

L/Sgt Walker was described as the ‘fittest and bravest soldier’ in his company, who was ‘unflinchingly tough’. Colleagues ‘didn’t think there was a bullet made that could kill him’, mourners were told.

To underline his heroism, his commanding officer revealed to the congregation that just two days before his death in Afghanistan, L/Sgt Walker had saved a colleague’s life.

L/Sgt Walker was a Glaswegian who came to live in Shadsworth through his Blackburn wife Teresa.

The funeral heard that L/Sgt Walker was a passionate Celtic FC supporter who loved to fish and also loved karaoke. He liked to refer to himself as Glasgow’s answer to David Bowie.

Later, as the coffin was taken to Pleasington Cemetery for a private service and burial, passers-by stopped and applauded. At the burial, salute was fired over L/Sgt Walker’s coffin.

The Last Post was also played by a bugler before a piper played Flowers Of The Forest, traditional for funerals of Scots Guardsmen.

The day started at 9.15am when the horse-drawn procession left the family’s Shadsworth home for St Alban’s Church.

His coffin, which was draped in the Union Flag, had L/Sgt Walker’s cap and belt placed on top along with a wreath of poppies.

Wreaths that spelt out ‘husband’ and ‘dad’ as well as the Scots Guards regiment colours of blue-red-blue.

As the coffin was carried into the church a Scots Guards piper played a lament as L/Sgt Walker’s tearful family, including mother May, brothers Pat and James, watched.

Inside the theme from Star Wars was played in reference to L/Sgt Walker’s nickname of ‘Sgt Jedi’ and later Mariah Carey’s ‘Hero’.

Hymns included O Perfect Love, which was sung at L/Sgt Walker’s wedding to Teresa. The service, led by Canon Jude Harrison, was so full that many had to stand.

Canon Harrison said: “Teresa and your big family, I hope that you will be strengthened by this big powerhouse of love and support that is on show today.”

He was followed by Lieutenant Colonel Lincoln Jopp who told the congregation of his admiration for L/Sgt Walker. He said that while taking part in Operation Moshtarak, L/Sgt Walker and his Right Flank Company were dropped behind enemy lines in a bid to tackle the Taliban response to the current Allied onslaught.

Lt Col Jopp said after coming under attack, L/Sgt Walker came to the aid of Lieutenant Murly-Gotto who had been shot and risked his own life to save the life of his comrade. Just two days later, on February 18, L/Sgt Walker was shot and killed.

Wheelcair-bound Lieutenant Murly-Gotto, as well as four other injured soldiers from the Right Flank company, were at the funeral today.

Some 80 soldiers from the Scots Guards had arrived at the funeral on buses from their base at Catterick.

Lieutenant Col Jopp said: “The company has lost one of its brightest stars and Lance Sergeant Davey Walker will never be forgotten.

"He was the sort of person that you wanted by your side. I honestly didn’t think there was a bullet made that could kill him.

“When Lieutenant Murly-Gotto was shot he had a lucky break because the first soldier on the scene was Davey.

“He protected him and called for a helicopter rescue, risking his own life to save his friend.

"He was the fittest soldier in his company and extremely brave.

"Davey’s tragic loss has been felt very deeply by those in the Scots Guards who he leaves behind – particularly his platoon and those whom he had served with in the Right Flank. He has left a huge hole that will be hard to fill.”

L/Sgt Walker was buried at Pleasington Cemetery before an afternoon wake at the Fleece pub, Penny Street.

Local dignitaries at the funeral included Jack Straw MP, Mayor of Blackburn with Darwen Coun James Hirst, Acting Superintendent Terry Woods and Coun Salim Mulla from the Lancashire Council of Mosques.