A final farewell to brave soldier - Sgt Gareth Thursby (From Keighley News)
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A final farewell to brave soldier - Sgt Gareth Thursby
4:12pm Thursday 1st November 2012 in Keighley By Keighley News reporter
Sgt Thursby's widow and family follow his coffin as it is carried out of the church after the service
People turned out in their thousands to say “goodbye and thank you for your sacrifice” to a soldier who was shot dead by a rogue Afghan policeman.
Sergeant Gareth Thursby, described as a man of courage and compassion, was killed on September 15 in the Nahr-e Saraj district of Helmand, six days before his 30th birthday.
He was a former pupil of South Craven School, at Cross Hills.
His funeral took place at Holy Trinity Church, Skipton, last Friday, the cortege arriving at noon having passed people lined ten deep along High Street and to the sound of a tolling bell and applause to honour the soldier who was shot by a man he believed needed his help.
Sgt Thursby, who leaves a wife, Louise, and two children, Joshua and Ruby, was called “Dad” by the younger colleagues in his battalion, a father figure because of his care, compassion and selfless love. He was described by his senior officers as representing everything the regiment stood for because of his professionalism, strength of character and moral courage.
Despite the cold, people gathered outside the church to hear the sermon relayed by loudspeaker and heard Major Malcolm Birkett, officer commanding Rear Operations Group 3 Yorks, read the eulogy.
He said Mrs Thursby still found it hard to believe in Gareth’s death because of the sense of invincibility he always gave out.
Apart from his family, his job and “his lads” meant so much to him.
“He was a great husband and we were looking forward to making plans for years to come. Sadly, he has been taken from us,” Mrs Thursby said.
“We have our memories and there are many good ones. He might be gone but he will always be with us wherever we go.”
His mum, Caroline, said she had always felt proud of her son who was nicknamed “the bull” because of his determination and strength of character.
After the service the cortege moved on to Waltonwrays cemetery in Skipton for the cremation service.
Sgt Thursby was killed alongside his comrade Private Thomas Wroe.
