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Funeral of Marine killed by bomb Funeral for Marine killed by bomb
(about 9 hours later)
The funeral of a Marine who was killed when explosives hidden in a wheelbarrow were detonated, is to take place in the church where he was married. 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.
Corporal Marc Birch, 26, died in Helmand Province on 12 December. Cpl Marc Birch, 26, died in Helmand Province in Afghanistan on 12 December.
The funeral, with full military honours, will take place in Kingsthorpe in Northampton. The military funeral was held at the packed St John the Baptist church in Kingsthorpe, Northampton.
His widow Charlene, who married him in the same church, said she had "ten fantastic years" with her husband who had "died doing what he loved". 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 Cpl "Birchy" Birch as an "outstanding Royal Marine Commando and a popular and very capable leader". 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 "inspired and touched the lives of so many people". 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," she said. "My love for Marc will live on in my heart forever and special memories will never be forgotten."