Soldier's body is flown home (From Worcester News)

Soldier's body is flown home

11:37am Friday 10th July 2009 in

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THE body of a Worcestershire soldier killed in one in one of the bloodiest weeks for British forces in Afghanistan was flown home today.

Eighteen-year-old Private Robert Laws, from Bromsgrove, died in Afghanistan on Saturday. The 2nd Battalion The Mercian Regiment solider, known as Robbie, was killed when the vehicle he was travelling in was hit by a rocket-propelled grenade attack.

The bodies of five soliders, all killed in the past week, were brought home today.

The C17 aircraft carrying their coffins arrived at RAF Lyneham, Wiltshire, where a repatriation ceremony is being held.

After the ceremony, hearses carrying the men's coffins will pass along the high street of nearby Wootton Bassett, which is expected to be lined with hundreds of mourners.

Crowds have appeared spontaneously along the route through Wootton Bassett to pay their respects since the bodies of British service personnel started being brought home through RAF Lyneham in 2007.

The procession will then continue to Oxford's John Radcliffe Hospital.

Major Richard Johnson, Officer Commanding Anzio Coy, Infantry Training Centre Catterick, has paid tribute to Private Laws.

He said: "Although initially of a quiet nature he became popular and influential with his platoon as his ability developed.

"Excelling in shooting for a soldier of a slight build, he was commended for achieving the award of ‘Best Shot’ on the Light Machine Gun.

“Private Laws was the epitome of a recruit whose heart was set on a military path.

"It was a childhood dream that he could see developing steadily in front of him; he achieved his ambition of joining his chosen Battalion.

"He is remembered by all the military and civilian staff within Anzio Company for his quiet but determined nature."