Funeral for serving Royal Marine

Funeral for serving Royal Marine

Christopher Maddison served with the 9 Assault Squadron Marines

The funeral of a Royal Marine from Scarborough who died in the conflict in Iraq is taking place on Wednesday.

Christopher Maddison, 24, who was serving with the Plymouth-based 9 Assault Squadron Marines, was killed when a river launch was ambushed south of Basra on 30 March.

The soldiers were attempting to destroy Iraqi units along the al-Faw peninsula.

Mr Maddison's body was repatriated in a special ceremony at RAF Brize Norton last week.

His mother Julie Maddison told BBC North Yorkshire: "Just because I have lost Christopher doesn't mean I am bitter in any way.

"He did his job and served his country."

Great pride

It had taken two attempts for Mr Maddison to join the marines.

After leaving school he managed to get to week 20 of training, before taking a year out and trying again - this time with success.

"He just wore that uniform with such pride, it was amazing," added Mrs Maddison.

Kindness he showed

She said emails, cards and letters from his friends had been an enormous support to the family.

"We have found out about the antics he used to get up to and the kindness he used to show.

"It has been a cushion for us to fall back on."

The funeral is due to take place at 1300 BST at St Mary's Church in Scarborough.