A SOLDIER killed in Afghanistan has been lauded as a ‘real hero’ as his hometown paid a moving tribute to him yesterday (Thursday).
Lance Corporal Barry Buxton, of 21 Engineer Regiment, was honoured with a full military funeral at St Mary’s Parish Church, in Uttoxeter, after his tragic death in a road accident earlier this month while on active service.
He was afforded a guard of honour from his colleagues and his coffin was draped in a Union Flag as it was carried into the church.
During the service, conducted by Uttoxeter Rector Reverend Ted Whittaker and the chaplain from the Engineers Reverend Steve Tanner, high tributes were paid to a ‘true Uttoxeter hero’ by family, friends and colleagues.
The 27-year-old’s commanding officer, Major Mick Hansekowitsch, spoke during the service of a ‘good humoured and fun loving character’.
He said: “Utterly selfless, he never shied from the tough jobs; he never expected more of others than he would give himself and he always found room for others and generously gave his time to those who required his support.
“Without doubt the Regiment has lost a fine soldier, a trusted friend and a loyal comrade but for today, as individuals, as a Regiment and as a Corps, our thoughts and prayers are with Emma and Barry’s family and friends.” Rev Tanner said Lance Corporal Buxton will be remembered as ‘one of Uttoxeter’s great heroes’ and he read out tributes from the soldier’s family to the packed congregation.
He read a tribute from one of Barry’s younger brothers Ashley in which he described him as someone he really looked up to and a ‘real inspiration and hero’.
His mother Sharon Hudson said she ‘could not have been more proud’ of her son.
“I will miss you so much son. You are and will always be our hero and we will make sure you are never forgotten,” she said.
Lance Corporal Buxton’s wife Emma, who he married in 2007, called Barry her ‘knight in shining armour’ and the couple’s wedding song I Don’t Want To Miss a Thing was played as his body was carried from the church.
Uttoxeter residents lined the streets to pay their respects as Lance Corporal Buxton was driven to his final resting place at Uttoxeter Cemetery where a firing party fired a volley of shots into the sky during a short service.
