Joey’s final rest

FINAL Journey. . .Corporal Joey Etchells’ coffin is carried by colleagues and friends from the 2nd Battalion The Royal Regiment of Fusiliers into St George’s Church in Mossley

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Soldier ‘lit up our lives’

THOUSANDS of mourners lined the streets and gathered outside the church — far too many to squeeze inside — as fallen soldier Joey Etchells was laid to rest.

The father-of-one, who served with the 2nd Battalion The Royal Regiment of Fusiliers, was killed by an explosion while leading a foot patrol near Sangin, Northern Helmand province, Afghanistan, on Sunday, July 19 — the 186th soldier to die in the country.

The 22-year-old’s coffin, draped in a Union Jack with his hackle and medals on top, was carried into St George’s Church, in Stamford Street, Mossley after being driven to the service under police escort.

Family members followed the coffin to the church door under a Guard of Honour to the sounds of Mariah Carey singing “Hero”.

The Mayor of Oldham, Councillor Jim McArdle, attended the service with his consort Councillor Kay Knox.

The service, which ended with a minute’s silence and the playing of the “Last Post” was conducted by Army Padre Andy Pell, who led the congregation in prayers and hymns including “Onward Christian Soldiers” and “Jerusalem”.

Joey’s former headteacher of Mossley Hollins High School, Drew Duncan, and Army friend Corporal Matthew Foster paid tribute.

The Lord Bishop of Manchester, the Right Reverend Nigel McCulloch, ended the service with a blessing before the congregation left the church to the R Kelly hit “World’s Greatest”.

Members of Joey’s regiment fired three shots to the sky as his coffin left the church for a private committal at Dukinfield Crematorium followed by a wake at the George Lawton Hall.

Paying tribute to Joey, who joined the Army at 16, his family said: “Joey was an inspiration to us all. He lit up the lives of so many.

“When he smiled everyone smiled. He was loving, kind and generous and we are truly honoured to have him as our son and we are extremely proud of his achievements.

“The Army was his life, he made the ultimate sacrifice doing the job he loved. We love him dearly and will miss him every moment of every day.”

Joey completed his Army training in Harrogate and has also served in Belfast, Cyprus and Jordan.

Lt Col Charlie Calder, Commanding Officer, 2nd Battalion The Royal Regiment of Fusiliers, said: “Corporal Etchells was a remarkable young man.

“He showed a gift for soldiering that touched all who worked with him.

“His enthusiasm, determination, loyalty and professionalism would have seen him progress with ease through the ranks.

“Above all, he will be remembered for the friendships that he easily made at home, in barracks or facing daily adversity in Afghanistan.

“The battalion and his friends mourn his loss. However, our loss is nothing compared to the loss sustained by his fiancée and his family.

“Our prayers are now for them, Julie, and their daughter.”