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Afghanistan soldier to be buried Widow gets first Elizabeth Cross
(about 5 hours later)
The funeral is due to take place of Nottinghamshire soldier Sean Upton, who was killed in Afghanistan. The widow of a Nottingham soldier killed in Afghanistan has been presented with the first Elizabeth Cross at his funeral.
The 35-year-old warrant officer from Beeston was killed in an explosion while on foot patrol in Helmand Province last month. Warrant officer Sean Upton, 35, was killed in an explosion while on patrol in Helmand Province last month.
He was someone who "could be and often was heavily relied upon," according to the Ministry of Defence. Karen Upton was given the medal shortly before the funeral at Catterick Garrison in North Yorkshire.
He will be buried at the Memorial Church, Catterick Garrison in North Yorkshire with full military honours. It is awarded to next of kin of armed forces personnel killed on active service, in recognition of their loss.
He leaves a wife, Karen and two children. This is the first time the name of a reigning monarch has been given to a new award since the George Cross was instituted in 1940.
'Nation's gratitude'
Mrs Upton, 32, said: "It is an absolute honour to receive the very first Elizabeth Cross in Her Majesty's name and comforting to feel the support of Queen and Country.
"Sean and I grew up together, were childhood sweethearts and soulmates. He was a loving husband and devoted father."
She added: "I will wear this Elizabeth Cross in his honour with pride and treasure it always."
WO Upton had been in the army for 19 years, serving in Northern Ireland, Iraq, Cyprus and Bosnia.WO Upton had been in the army for 19 years, serving in Northern Ireland, Iraq, Cyprus and Bosnia.
Chief of the Defence Staff Air Chief Marshal Sir Jock Stirrup said: "We as a nation owe much to servicemen like WO Upton, who gave his life fighting for our security and freedom.
"But we all also owe a great debt to his family. The presentation of this first Elizabeth Cross in the name of Her Majesty The Queen is a lasting symbol of the entire nation's gratitude and respect."
He was one of 22 British soldiers who died in Afghanistan in July - the bloodiest month for British forces since the mission began in October 2001.He was one of 22 British soldiers who died in Afghanistan in July - the bloodiest month for British forces since the mission began in October 2001.