This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.
You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/england/northamptonshire/7796754.stm
The article has changed 3 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.
Version 0 | Version 1 |
---|---|
Funeral for Marine killed by bomb | |
(about 9 hours later) | |
The funeral for a Marine who was killed when explosives hidden in a wheelbarrow were detonated has taken place in the church where he was married. | |
Cpl Marc Birch, 26, died in Helmand Province in Afghanistan on 12 December. | |
The military funeral was held at the packed St John the Baptist church in Kingsthorpe, Northampton. | |
Mourners lined the streets with many wearing red ties, football shirts, and scarves in honour of Cpl Birch's love of Liverpool Football Club. | |
'Impish humour' | |
His widow Charlene said she had "10 fantastic years" with her husband who had "died doing what he loved". | |
Cpl Birch, who came from Kingsthorpe, was killed with Sgt John Manuel and Marine Damian Davies. | Cpl Birch, who came from Kingsthorpe, was killed with Sgt John Manuel and Marine Damian Davies. |
His commanding officer Lt Col Jim Morris described "Birchy" as an "outstanding Royal Marine commando and a popular and very capable leader". | |
"Courageous, determined, warm-hearted and with an impish sense of humour, he demanded high standards from his men but always motivated them by personal example and commitment," said Lt Col Morris. | "Courageous, determined, warm-hearted and with an impish sense of humour, he demanded high standards from his men but always motivated them by personal example and commitment," said Lt Col Morris. |
Mrs Birch said her husband had "inspired and touched the lives of so many people". | |
"My love for Marc will live on in my heart forever and special memories will never be forgotten." |