Tributes given to'cheeky' soldier
Mourners lined the streets to pay tribute to Northamptonshire soldier Nicholas Webster-Smith, whose funeral took place in Brackley yesterday.
The 24-year-old 4th Regiment Royal Military Police soldier was described by his commanding officer as "cheeky and mischievous" during the service at St Peter's Parish Church.
Corporal Webster-Smith, known as Nic or WS among the regiment, was one of five soldiers killed on November 3, when a member of the Afghan national police force opened fire on them.
Lieutenant Colonel Debbie Poneskis, his commanding officer, said Cpl Webster Smith was "one of the great characters" of the company.
She added: "I clearly can't say anything about him without smiling. He was at the centre of all activities in the corporals' mess, all of our sporting activities, he was excellent to be on patrol with.
"He was selected to do one of the most difficult jobs we have in Afghanistan. That role is quite critical for us because it is a significant part of our strategy to complete the mission and come home."
Cpl Webster-Smith died alongside colleague Cpl Steven Boote, also of the Royal Military Police. Lt Col Poneskis said: "We have obviously been very concerned for the guys who are in theatre because they lost on that day two of their most popular members.
"But they have done what soldiers do, they have got up, turned to the right and got on with it.
"The Webster-Smith family have been absolutely fantastic. They have allowed us to share their tears, share their grief, and we are very, very honoured to make them part of our family."
Cpl Webster-Smith's coffin, draped in the Union flag with his red military police cap and white stable belt on top, was carried by his colleagues.
As it was taken into the church, the Adjutant General's Corps Band played The Watch Tower, the march of the Royal Military Police.
In a tribute from his family, Cpl Webster-Smith's uncle, Graham Thompson, said: "We saw Nic as a man of action, as a man with a very strong can-do and will-do attitude.
"Nic made the ultimate sacrifice and we are proud to have known him."
As Corporal Webster-Smith's body was driven away, mourners joined in a round of applause for the young soldier. His family was due to attend a private service at Banbury Crematorium, followed by a reception to celebrate his life at Brackley Rugby Club.
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Tuesday 07 February 2012
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