Funeral for a ‘complete soldier’

Joseph Etchells

The funeral service for career soldier Corporal Joseph Etchells, who was killed by a bomb in Afghanistan, will take place later today.

Cpl Etchells (22) of the 2nd Battalion, The Royal Regiment of Fusiliers, died in a blast while on foot patrol near Sangin, northern Helmand province, on Sunday, July 19.

A father of one daughter with his fiancée, Julie Davies, he was serving his third tour of duty in the war-torn country and was in charge of an infantry section leading eight men when he was killed.

Cpl Etchells, or “Etch” as he was known, joined the Army at the age of 16. He had also served in Northern Ireland and Cyprus, winning promotion to corporal after passing the Section Commander’s Battle Course.

He was described by his commanding officers as the “complete soldier”, dedicated and professional, who loved his job, showing outstanding promise and determination to rise through the ranks.

His funeral service will begin at 2.15pm at St George’s Church in his home town of Mossley. He will be cremated at Dukinfield Crematorium.




A total of 196 British service personnel have died in Afghanistan since operations began in October, 2001.