Repatriation ceremony for Major

Major Sean Birchall gave an interview earlier this year

A repatriation ceremony has been held for an Army officer who was killed in Afghanistan.

Major Sean Birchall, 33, of 1st Battalion Welsh Guards, died on 19 June in an explosion in Helmand province.

His body was flown to RAF Lyneham, where a ceremony was held before a procession took place through Wootton Bassett, Wiltshire.

Maj Birchall was born in South Africa but grew up in Guildford. Lt/Col Rupert Thornloe said he "led from the front".

'Future star'

Maj Birchall commanded IX Company of the 1st Battalion Welsh Guards, which was working with Afghan security forces in Basharan following an operation he led to drive the Taliban out of the village.

He wife Joanna said he was a wonderful husband and devoted father to 18-month-old son Charlie.

"It is the excellence he achieved in every facet of his life that defined Sean," she said.

"An athlete, an adventurer and an instinctive leader, he was an inspiration to all who knew him."

His commanding officer, Lt/Col Thornloe, praised his leadership and said he had been spotted at Sandhurst as a "future star".

"Sean always led from the front and his soldiers would have followed him anywhere," he said.

It's important for the public to remember what these troops are doing, putting their lives on the line Former lance sergeant James Archer

About 700 people, including British Legion veterans, shopkeepers and dignitaries, lined the high street in Wootton Bassett and lowered their heads as the man's cortege passed through.

Former lance sergeant James Archer, 58, who served with the 2nd Battalion Scottish Guards, said: "I'm here to honour the soldier being brought back as a mark of respect to them and their families to show they are not alone.

"It's important for the public to remember what these troops are doing, putting their lives on the line."

Steve Bucknell, Mayor of Wootton Bassett, said: "We have strong links with the armed forces because RAF Lyneham is so close."

He added: "Today, another repatriation of someone who was killed in Helmand proceeds. It's a very sombre feeling."

He said: "The way we mark the repatriations has become a tradition in Wootton Bassett.

"We always hope the current one is the last one but we will carry on doing it for as long as is necessary."