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Funeral for 18-year-old soldier Funeral for 18-year-old soldier
(about 1 hour later)
The funeral is taking place of an 18-year-old soldier from Doncaster who was killed in Afghanistan without ever meeting his baby son. Hundreds of people turned out to pay their respects to a young soldier from Doncaster who was killed in Afghanistan without ever meeting his baby son.
Rifleman Liam Maughan, from 3 Rifles, was shot and killed while on watch in Sangin, Helmand province, on 6 March. Rifleman Liam Maughan, 18, from 3 Rifles, was shot while on watch in Sangin, Helmand province, on 6 March.
He had become a father just weeks before his death. He had become a father to his son Jayden, just weeks before his death.
Rifleman Maughan was providing protection to his platoon when he died. A funeral is being held at St Lawrence Church, Doncaster. At his funeral at St Lawrence Church in Doncaster, his father David said: "We have been robbed of ever knowing Liam the man and Liam the father."
In an earlier tribute to Rifleman Maughan, his family said: "Liam was a tall, handsome six-footer with looks to melt the heart of any girl and make men envious, but he was also a son and a brother, a fiance and a father to his own son who he will now never meet. Crowds lined the streets around the church as the soldier's coffin, which included a white floral tribute, that spelled out Dad, was carried in.
"This cruel and premature departure from us leaves dreams unfulfilled, potentials unrealised and a massive irreparable hole in the lives of everyone who knew him." 'Beautiful boy'
'Great sacrifice' Many mourners in the small village, where a handful of shops had covered their doors with Union flags and black ribbons, remained outside and listened to the service through loud speakers.
In a eulogy, Mr Maughan said Liam as a child was an "easy baby" who was always "happy, smiling and relaxed" and these qualities transcended into adult life.
"I was constantly approached by women fussing over him and telling us what a beautiful little boy he was and how he would break hearts one day.
Rifleman Maughan was providing protection to his platoon when he died
"Liam continued to receive this type of comment throughout his life but we never imagined in our darkest nightmares just how that heartbreak would manifest itself."
He said his son had managed throughout his life to get into "scrapes" but get away with it.
"He did not see danger, serious was not in his vocabulary, he took everything in his stride and nothing fazed him."
He added: "I thought, I hoped, it would be this knack of his for getting away with it that would keep him safe in Afghanistan.
"I thought he was indestructible, and that he would return as unaffected and unimpressed as he was with most things."
Rifleman Maughan was providing protection to his platoon when he died.
Lt Col Nick Kitson, commanding officer 3 Rifles Battle Group, described his death as a "devastating blow".Lt Col Nick Kitson, commanding officer 3 Rifles Battle Group, described his death as a "devastating blow".
He said: "Our thoughts and prayers are very much with Rifleman Maughan's infant son, as they are with the rest of his family, and we hope that he may grow up to understand just how great a sacrifice his father made in the service of his country."
Rifleman Jean De Clerk said: "He was always in high spirits because of his job as platoon sharpshooter and I am confident he would have been a fine sniper which was his aspiration.
The head teacher and pupils of Rifleman Maughan's college in Doncaster also paid tribute to him.
Dave Williams, associate head of Hatfield Visual Arts College, said: "Liam was a good student, he was very popular with both staff and his peers.
He added: "When he came in to collect his references he was very excited, he really wanted to join the Army and felt it was the best thing for him to do."