Tributes to soldiers killed in Afghan attack
THEY served together and they died together... today the Grimsby Telegraph – and the people of North East Lincolnshire – pay tribute to Sgt Matthew Telford and Guardsman Jimmy Major, the two North East Lincolnshire Grenadier Guards killed by a "rogue" Afghan policeman as they were sitting side by side in a military compound.
Matthew, a 37-year-old father-of-two from Scartho Top, leaves a devastated wife Kerry – pictured here on their wedding day – who pays an emotional tribute to him in today's paper.
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ather-of-two Sgt Matthew Telford was killed in Afghanistan on Tuesday.
She described him as a "gentle giant" who loved his job.
The other local soldier killed was 18-year-old Jimmy from Cleethorpes.
They died on Tuesday with three other colleagues in one of the worst British atrocities of the war.
The five men were last night officially named by the Ministry of Defence. The other three were Warrant Officer Class 1 Darren Chant, of 1st Battalion The Grenadier Guards and Acting Corporal Steven Boote and Corporal Nicholas Webster-Smith, both of Royal Military Police.
Remembrance Sunday is just three days away. Let us dedicate that day to Matthew and Jimmy – and all our other fallen heroes.
In the words of the Rector of Grimsby, Canon Michael Hunter: "The sacrifice that these soldiers make reminds us why we observe Remembrance Sunday with such sensitivity."
For more tributes to the fallen heroes from their family, friends, teachers, Prime Minister Gordon Brown and local MPs, see today's Grimsby Telegraph.
This morning, the Ministry of Defence is expected to release more information and pictures of the servicemen.
See your Grimsby Telegraph today for coverage of the incident and tributes from local figureheads and Prime Minister Gordon Brown.
Pay your tributes by commenting on this story or visiting www.thisisgrimsby.co.uk/lastingtribute
To read the comments left on our website yesterday, click here.
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by Danielle, Cleethorpes
Friday, November 06 2009, 3:19AM
“I hope that they'll remember you,
And time is never kind,
But we swear we'll keep our promise,
You'll never be left behind....
RIP Jimmy,love you and miss you. Mark couldnt have wished for a better mate,u were more like his brother. Still cant believe you're gone,we'll miss you xxxx”
by Andy, Grimsby
Thursday, November 05 2009, 11:19PM
“RIP fella's, stand down.
Condolences to family and friends.
THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS TO FAMILY AND MATES AND ALL INVOLVED IN GETTING ANOTHER TWO HERO''S HOME .
God Bless.”
by Chloe, Immingham;
Thursday, November 05 2009, 10:47PM
“Omg; jimmy. i miss you so much already. missed you while you was out there, now im going to miss you so much more. you had a heart of gold and would do anything for anyone, you meant the world to everyone and me. your going to be missed by everyone and all your family and old school mates will miss you, i will miss you.
i could tell you anything and you wouldnt tell a soul.
going to miss you boyy,
i love you. <3
rest in peace to matthew aswell,
heavens new angels, look after them dad x”
by Nigel, Grimsby
Thursday, November 05 2009, 10:27PM
“Words can't express how this makes me feel. Heartfelt sorrow for the families deeply hurt by this sensless act - but coupled with pride that we have men and women prepared to risk all to give others the chance of a life we often take for granted. God bless and comfort all.”
by Saffy, Torquay
Thursday, November 05 2009, 9:02PM
“Thinking of the families of these two very brave soldiers at this devastating time. They both died and should be remembered as true Grimsby heroes. I might live in Torquay now, but I know the devastation Grimsby people will be feeling to loose yet another soldier from the town. This government has blood soaked hands. You did the town and the whole country proud lads XXX”
by joanne, clee
Thursday, November 05 2009, 8:54PM
“r.i.p sleep well jimbob u did every one pround and iam proud to say i looked after both you and your brother such a bright and bubbly child and proud to say u have grown into sugh a brave you man!!! god bless love jo ( wayahead hairdressers) xxxx”
by jo, clee
Thursday, November 05 2009, 8:46PM
“sleep well jimbob was such a happy bubbly little boy and am proud to say that i had the pleasure of looking after him and his older brother u did every one proud god bless love jo from wayahead hairdressers xxx”
by Michelle Landles, Notts/Grimsby
Thursday, November 05 2009, 8:33PM
“I knew Matty from years back when I was younger; was friends with his cousin. I'm sat here wondering what to write, actually finding it hard to write anything. Call me ignorant if you will but I've not payed much attention to the war at all, just trundled on with my life, but now I am forced to pay attention for a wonderful, kind, and not forgetting sooooo tall person (I was about 10 last time I saw him for any length of time) is no longer here. Anyway, for Matty's wife and children, and all his family my thoughts are with you all. Take care.
Shelly x x”
by steph, Cleethorpes
Thursday, November 05 2009, 8:15PM
“R.I.P.
My sympathy goes out to the friends and family of these brave men who gave their lives Rest now in Heaven x”
by malc and wendy launder, scartho grimsby
Thursday, November 05 2009, 6:41PM
“RIP matty you were a lovely man and true hero all are thoughts are with your family at this very sad time god bless you matty xx”