A NORTH-EAST soldier shot dead in a horrific insider attack was described as an “amazing soldier and a great friend” as he was laid to rest today.
Sapper Richard Walker, from Washington, Wearside, was brutally murdered by a member of the Afghan National Army in the Nahr-e-Saraj district of Helmand province on January 7.
The 23-year-old, who was just weeks from being reunited with his 18-month-old daughter Lilly-Faith, was given a military funeral at Our Blessed Lady Immaculate RC Church, in Washington, this morning.
The church was full and dozens of mourners stood outside in the rain to pay their respects.
Tearful relatives and friends wore red and white ties, marking Spr Walker’s support for Sunderland AFC, and red memorial ribbons made by his mother, Kathryn.
Lieutenant Colonel Chas Story, commanding officer of Spr Walker’s 28 Engineer Regiment, said he was a bright, enthusiastic, hard-working young man and an inspiration to his friends.
TRIBUTES PAID: Sapper Richard Walker
“He was an amazing soldier, someone who worked hard and was a great friend and put his friends above everyone else.
“If he took on a task he would not stop until it was done. He lifted everyone’s spirits. He did everything with a smile and a joke.
“He loved the job and the fact he died doing it is immensely sad.”
Seven other British personnel were injured in the “green-on-blue” attack. One remains seriously ill.
But Lt Col Story said: “They are making a huge difference. His (Spr Walker’s) life will not be lost in vain.”
In his service tribute, the officer added that Spr Walker was one of the most professional soldiers he had ever met and he would be sorely missed.
Spr Walker’s coffin was carried into the church draped in a Union flag, with a wreath of poppies and a military cap laid on top.
As silence fell, the shouts of children playing could be heard in the distance.
Fr Sean Hall, the parish priest, said the death was particularly tragic and “what if” was a natural reaction.
The service also included Bible readings, the Leona Lewis songs “Footprints in the Sand” and “Yesterday” and traditional hymns.
Following a private burial, friends and relatives shared memories of their lost loved one in The Honest Boy pub.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here