First repatriations of 2009 

Funeral courtege passes through Wootton Bassett.

 

The first repatriation of 2009 took place today - marking not only the last casualty of 2008 but also the first one of 2009.

 

The streets of Wootton Bassett once again standing silent as the funeral courtege containing the coffins of two young soldiers killed in Afghanistan last week passed slowly along the high street.

 

Passing through Wootton Bassett: The funeral courtege containing coffins of two soldiers Calyx Multimedia

 

26-year-old Corporal Liam Elms was killed in action by an explosion on 31 December 2008 in southern Helmand whilst on operations with Zulu Company, 45 Commando Royal Marines.

 

Serjeant Reed was attached to C Company of the 1st Battalion The Rifles (1 RIFLES) Operational Mentoring and Liaison Team (OMLT) Battle Group and died on the first day of the year.