Funeral for soldier Thomas Wroe killed in Afghanistan


Pte Thomas Wroe, 18, from 3rd Battalion the Yorkshire Regiment, died in Helmand's Nahr-e Saraj district on 15 September. He and Sgt Gareth Thursby, 29, were shot by a rogue Afghan policeman who lured them to his side with a fake injury.

Pte Wroe's funeral is to be held at St Bartholomew's Church in Meltham.

The soldier joined the Army in 2010 and was deployed to Afghanistan in July shortly after his 18th birthday. Following his death his parents, Mick and Claire, said their son was a "fun-going guy who would do anything for anyone".

Mr Wroe said: "He couldn't go out there until he was aged 18. He was itching to go, to join his mates. We don't regret him going out there, we all knew the risks, but you don't expect it to be your lad."

His funeral, which is due to take place at midday, will be followed by a private burial at Christ Church in Helme.

The Ministry of Defence said an investigation was under way into the circumstances of the soldiers' deaths.