Family say final farewell to hero Sapper 05.09.12
10The funeral of a soldier killed while serving with the Royal Engineers in Afghanistan has taken place in Aldershot later today.
Lance Corporal Matthew Smith, 26, was part of a team building a checkpoint in the Nad-e Ali district of Helmand Province on 10th August when he was hit by small arms fire.
He received immediate first aid before being evacuated by helicopter, but despite all efforts to save him he died of his wounds.
LCpl Smith deployed to Helmand in March with 26 Engineer Regiment. He leaves behind his fiancee Laura and four children Lainie, Ella, Tilli and Jai.
His mother Caroline described him as "Our Hero" and said he will be "dearly missed."
His Commanding Officer paid tribute to him as "hardworking, completely selfless and utterly professional". The funeral took place at the Royal Garrison Church of All Saints in Aldershot.