Colleagues bid farewell to fallen hero (From Hampshire Chronicle)

Olaf Schmid's colleagues say farewell

12:08pm Tuesday 24th November 2009 in News

HUNDREDS of soldiers, dressed in full uniform, filled the cathedral ahead of the ceremony.

WO1 (SSM) Steve Parker, QGM, of Royal Logistic Corps, came from his base in Didcot, Oxfordshire, to pay tribute to his friend and colleague.

WO1 Parker, 37, said: "He was a really good bloke and an excellent tradesman.

"We had two bomb disposal operators who died before him, but it's always a big shock.

"Today is a good chance to say goodbye to him and reflect on our colleague. We are not just here to support him but to support his family as well."

As the hearse carrying Staff Sgt Schmid's coffin pulled up outside the towering, Gothic revival cathedral, soldiers presented arms and let off three volleys of gunfire.

Royal British Legion veterans raised their standards as the coffin, adorned with Staff Sgt Schmid's head-dress, beret and a wreath, was carried toward the building.

The soldier's coffin was carried in to the cathedral by pallbearers WO2 Moxy James, Colour Sergeant Mark Hayes, Sergeant Peter Royston, WO2 Simon DeGruchie, Staff Sergeant Matt Henton and WO2 Chris Walker.

Hundreds of members of the public lined the streets to watch and pay their respects to the fallen soldier.