Father calls fallen soldier 'my son, my mate' (From The Northern Echo)

Emotional tribute ahead of funeral of North Yorkshire serviceman on Friday

7:23pm Thursday 26th November 2009 in News By Matt Westcott

THE father of a soldier killed in Afghanistan described him as a son and a mate as he prepares for his funeral on Friday.

Hundreds are expected to turn out to pay their last respects to Serjeant Phillip Scott, when the service is held at Aske Hall Chapel, near Richmond, North Yorkshire, at 1pm.

The 30-year-old was killed in a bomb blast earlier this month while he was helping to clear explosives in Sangin.

A member of the 3rd Battalion, The Rifles, he was a veteran of the conflict in Iraq and was serving in Afghanistan with his brother, Robin.

Sjt Scott, married with two children and a stepson, was born in Malton and grew up in Richmond, where his father, Mike, is the gamekeeper for the Zetland Estate.

On Thursday, Mr Scott paid tribute saying: "He was absolutely super - a very kind sort of a person, who would do anything for anybody.

"If there was ever any trouble in our own family Phillip was the peacemaker. He was a peacemaker, there is no getting away from that.

"He was a son, but he was a mate."

Mr Scott said his son felt wary of returning to the war zone, but was not one to shirk his responsibilities.

"He was looking forward to going, but, at the same time he just had the feeling that he was going to get into deeper trouble - he was more wary, shall we say, of this trip," he said.

"Conditions would never ever bother Phillip because he was a tough cookie. He could handle any conditions. I know that from being out in the field with him. He would go in any weather, rain, wind or snow. It never bothered him, he never complained."

Mr Scott said despite the enormity of his own personal tragedy he was backing the troops' efforts to bring peace to the region.

"I am very proud of them both and what they are doing," he said of his sons. "And I back them 100 per cent. I think people should back the Army 100 per cent, because they have been absolutely brilliant."

Today's service, to which all are welcome, will be followed by a private interment.