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Last salute for army bomb victim Last salute for army bomb victim
(41 minutes later)
An army explosives expert who was killed in Afghanistan is being buried with full military honours. An army explosives expert killed in Afghanistan is being buried with full military honours and has been called a "warrior" by his widow.
Hundreds of people turned out at Truro Cathedral in Cornwall for a final farewell to Staff Sgt Olaf Schmid, 30, who died on 31 October in Afghanistan.Hundreds of people turned out at Truro Cathedral in Cornwall for a final farewell to Staff Sgt Olaf Schmid, 30, who died on 31 October in Afghanistan.
His widow Christina and stepson Laird were among the family and friends. The Truro-born soldier, who lived in Hampshire, died while disarming a bomb.
Mr Schmid, who lived in Winchester, Hampshire, had been head chorister in the cathedral choir in Truro, where he was born. Saying she was a "proud widow", Christina Schmid said: "My husband, my son's father, was a warrior."
'Preserver of life'
The service is being led by the Dean of Truro, the Very Reverend Dr Christopher Hardwick.
At the end of the service, the last post will be sounded and outside there will be three volleys of rifle fire as the cortege leaves.
Staff Sgt Schmid, of the Royal Logistic Corps, died while trying to disarm an improvised explosive device (IED) in the Sangin region of Helmand province.Staff Sgt Schmid, of the Royal Logistic Corps, died while trying to disarm an improvised explosive device (IED) in the Sangin region of Helmand province.
He was deployed to Afghanistan in June and had made safe 64 IEDs. We might disagree with a war... however, I hope Olaf's death... can serve to bridge that gap and unite us once more with our troops Christina Schmid
During the service, which was led by the Dean of Truro, the Very Reverend Dr Christopher Hardwick, Mrs Schmid told the congregation that she hoped her husband's death would "unite" civilians and troops.
The 34-year-old also called on world leaders to do more to protect soldiers serving in the war-torn country.
She said: "Olaf and troops like him join to serve traditional warrior values, to passionately protect the country they love, its ideals and especially their families, communities and each other.
"In past conflicts, where there was an immediate threat to our shores and our existence, soldiers were never plagued with self-doubt about the value of their role in society, and people and their soldiers were once close in unity.
"We might disagree with a war. However, I hope Olaf's death, my public storytelling and appreciation, our community display of respect here today can serve to bridge that gap and unite us once more with our troops."
Staff Sgt Olaf Schmid served in the Army for 13 years
Mrs Schmid said she hoped the work troops were doing in Afghanistan did not go "unnoticed" by "our leaders".
Staff Sgt Schmid was deployed to Afghanistan in June and had made safe 64 IEDs.
He took part in Operation Panther's Claw, the Army's offensive to clear populated areas in central Helmand of Taliban insurgents.He took part in Operation Panther's Claw, the Army's offensive to clear populated areas in central Helmand of Taliban insurgents.
Also known as Oz, he joined the Army in 1996 and was made staff sgt in April 2008. Also known as Oz, he joined the Army in 1996 and was made staff sergeant in April 2008.
Staff Sgt Schmid, also known as Oz, was described as a hero and a "preserver of life" by his wife, Christina. School friends of Staff Sgt Schmid came to the funeral to pay tribute.
Grace Butler went to Penair Secondary School with the soldier.
The 30-year-old doctor said: "He was just a really nice guy, always up for a laugh. When I heard about his death it was pretty devastating.
"It really brings it home to you. You see it on the news all the time, but when it's someone you know, it really brings it home."
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Hundreds mourn army bomb victim