Hero killed in Afghanistan is laid to rest

THE FUNERAL of a soldier who was shot dead in southern Afghanistan took place in Penicuik today.

Sergeant Jonathan Mathews, 35, from Edinburgh, was on foot patrol in Helmand Province on July 28 when his party came under Taliban fire.

Mourners gathered to pay their last respects at a service this morning at the Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church in Penicuik, Midlothian.

Sgt Mathews, who was married with two children, was from The Highlanders, 4th Battalion the Royal Regiment of Scotland, attached to 1st Battalion the Royal Irish Regiment.

He was in Afghanistan providing mentoring and training for the Afghan Army.

Sgt Mathews was part of a joint Afghan-UK patrol, helping to protect local police in the Marjah area, west of Lashkar Gah, when he was shot.

He was evacuated by helicopter to the medical facility at Camp Bastion but died of a single gunshot wound.

His family said in a statement: "Jonathan trained all his life for the job he was doing, loved what he did, died doing what he loved, he was well respected."

Lieutenant Colonel Jamie Campbell, Commanding Officer The Highlanders, said he was a "hugely popular man".

He said: "He always led from the front, inspiring others to follow and with his operational background and determination to make a difference, was ideally suited to the demands of Helmand province.

"An absolute professional, he was courageous, reliable to the core and unwaveringly loyal to all."

The coffin, draped in the Union flag, was carried into the church by a bearer party of soldiers to the sound of Amazing Grace.

Family members, friends and colleagues packed into every available space, with many having to stand in the aisles of the packed-out church.

Father Stephen Sharkey told the congregation Sgt Mathews would be remembered as a man who selflessly gave his life to help others.

He said: "Jon was described to me by his family as a fun-loving character who was loved by all his friends and family.

"He was a caring man who was well respected by all the soldiers who served with him."

Fr Sharkey quoted Sgt Mathews' commanding officer in Afghanistan, Major Rob Armstrong, who had described the popular soldier as being "loyal, compassionate and extremely capable".

He said: "He would always lead by example and sacrifice his comforts for those of his men. This inevitably endeared him to the other soldiers.

"He was popular, well respected and a pleasure to have under command.

"He was a man I could always depend on. Sgt Mathews completed all tasks with equal passion.

"Having been involved in numerous contacts with Sgt Mathews, I would confidently place my life in his hands, as I so often had to, knowing that he would look after all of us.

"I will always think of him as a real gentleman soldier and I will miss the banter.

"He was hard and aggressive in battle, but compassionate and thoughtful when required.

"He was the complete package."

Addressing the soldier's family members, including his parents Bill and Anne, Fr Sharkey added: "I know your hearts are broken but your hearts are also bursting with pride.

"Jon gave his life for others, helping others.

"Jon selflessly served his country with great cost."

As the serviced neared the end, fellow soldier Tam Lynsey shared his memories of Sgt Mathews during their 15 years of friendship.

The pair got to know each other at Fort George, Inverness, when they were young men in The Royal Scots.

Mr Lynsey described his friend as a dedicated soldier who gave everything 100%.

"One thing that always sticks in my mind, and he should be commended for, is his kindness and compassion to both soldiers below and above him," Mr Lynsey said.

"He loved being the family man and was in his element when he was with Shona, William and Meghan.

"Rest in peace Jon – you were a true gentleman, a great friend, and you will never be forgotten."

The haunting sound of a lone piper echoed through the church as the coffin was carried away.

The church service was followed by a private service at Edinburgh's Mortonhall Crematorium.

Sgt Mathews was in Afghanistan providing mentoring and training for the Afghan Army.

He was part of a joint Afghan-UK patrol, helping to protect local police in the Marjah area, west of Lashkar Gah, when he was killed by a single gunshot wound.

The 35-year-old was the 113th British soldier to be killed in Afghanistan since 2001.

His service also included operations in Northern Ireland, Bosnia and Kosovo.

Sgt Mathews, who loved the outdoors, was also a sports parachutist, a canoeist and a hillwalker.

His colleague Sgt Major Eck Stewart, the officer in charge of the bearer party, said shortly before today's service: "Jonathan was a young, fit, keen, enthusiastic platoon sergeant.

"He was a keen family man and very popular, as you can see by the appearance of all the people here."