Scott
09-24-2009, 07:03 AM
'Bravest of them all' is laid to rest
http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w10/StonedSOD/soldier-280_895015a.jpg
A WHEELCHAIR-BOUND soldier who was severely injured in Afghanistan was among hundreds of mourners who paid their respects to a fallen comrade today.
Still wearing bandages and with medical equipment resting on his lap, Fusilier Thomas James overcame his injuries to join the family and friends of Shaun Bush in honouring his memory at Coventry Cathedral.
Fusilier Bush died in hospital in the UK ten days after two explosions in Helmand province in August in which Fusilier James was injured and another soldier was killed.
http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w10/StonedSOD/bush-180_895018a.jpg'The bravest' ... Fusilier Bush
Described by his regimental colonel as "the bravest of the brave" for his efforts to save a mortally wounded colleague, Fusilier Bush was injured while attempting to rescue his platoon sergeant during a foot patrol.
His family and girlfriend were among dozens of non-service personnel who donned the hackle of the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers for the hour-long funeral.
Paying tribute to the serviceman, the Bishop of Coventry, the Rt Revd Dr Christopher Cocksworth, described him as a dedicated soldier "full of humour, love and goodness".
The Bishop of Coventry told the service that Fusilier Bush - a much-loved son, brother and nephew - had suffered his injuries in a great act of bravery.
"I stand before you as a British subject, thankful for his readiness to risk his life for a safer, better world," the bishop said.
Tributes were also paid to Fusilier Bush by his girlfriend's father and one of his aunts, who said his family would never be the same again without him.
During her tribute, Elizabeth Merry added: "We would like you to know that we are so proud of you. You will always be in our thoughts and prayers."
Fusilier Bush, who was from Coventry, died at the Royal Centre for Defence Medicine in Birmingham on August 25.
Among those who attended his funeral were his girlfriend, Amy Taggart, his father Carl, his brother Lewis, and sister Hannah.
Speaking before the funeral, Brigadier Trevor Minter, the colonel of Fusilier Bush's regiment, said the soldier knew the risks he faced after a blast which killed his comrade, Sergeant Simon Valentine, in the Sangin district on August 15.
The officer said: "He was such a brave young man.
"When the IED hit his patrol and his sergeant was wounded, they knew there would be more threats.
"Yet Shaun Bush went forward to try and help and sadly was mortally wounded in the attempt.
"He knew exactly what he was doing and he knew the threat and he stepped forward. Shaun was the bravest of the brave."
http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w10/StonedSOD/soldier-280_895015a.jpg
A WHEELCHAIR-BOUND soldier who was severely injured in Afghanistan was among hundreds of mourners who paid their respects to a fallen comrade today.
Still wearing bandages and with medical equipment resting on his lap, Fusilier Thomas James overcame his injuries to join the family and friends of Shaun Bush in honouring his memory at Coventry Cathedral.
Fusilier Bush died in hospital in the UK ten days after two explosions in Helmand province in August in which Fusilier James was injured and another soldier was killed.
http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w10/StonedSOD/bush-180_895018a.jpg'The bravest' ... Fusilier Bush
Described by his regimental colonel as "the bravest of the brave" for his efforts to save a mortally wounded colleague, Fusilier Bush was injured while attempting to rescue his platoon sergeant during a foot patrol.
His family and girlfriend were among dozens of non-service personnel who donned the hackle of the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers for the hour-long funeral.
Paying tribute to the serviceman, the Bishop of Coventry, the Rt Revd Dr Christopher Cocksworth, described him as a dedicated soldier "full of humour, love and goodness".
The Bishop of Coventry told the service that Fusilier Bush - a much-loved son, brother and nephew - had suffered his injuries in a great act of bravery.
"I stand before you as a British subject, thankful for his readiness to risk his life for a safer, better world," the bishop said.
Tributes were also paid to Fusilier Bush by his girlfriend's father and one of his aunts, who said his family would never be the same again without him.
During her tribute, Elizabeth Merry added: "We would like you to know that we are so proud of you. You will always be in our thoughts and prayers."
Fusilier Bush, who was from Coventry, died at the Royal Centre for Defence Medicine in Birmingham on August 25.
Among those who attended his funeral were his girlfriend, Amy Taggart, his father Carl, his brother Lewis, and sister Hannah.
Speaking before the funeral, Brigadier Trevor Minter, the colonel of Fusilier Bush's regiment, said the soldier knew the risks he faced after a blast which killed his comrade, Sergeant Simon Valentine, in the Sangin district on August 15.
The officer said: "He was such a brave young man.
"When the IED hit his patrol and his sergeant was wounded, they knew there would be more threats.
"Yet Shaun Bush went forward to try and help and sadly was mortally wounded in the attempt.
"He knew exactly what he was doing and he knew the threat and he stepped forward. Shaun was the bravest of the brave."