Essex-Based Soldier Is Laid To Rest

2 March 2011, 15:06 | Updated: 9 March 2011, 16:39

Family and friends have said a final goodbye to Lance Corporal Kyle Marshall in Colchester.

The 23-year-old of 2nd Battalion The Parachute Regiment was killed by an improvised explosive device in the Nahr-e Saraj district of Helmand Province on Valentine's Day (14 February 2011).

Hundreds of people turned out for his funeral at St Peter's Church, North Hill, where he was given full military honours.

His family have paid tribute to Kyle:

"We were obviously devastated to hear the news of Kyle's death and it has been a massive shock to all his family to try to adjust to this horrendous news. If Kyle had been able to make a choice regarding the way he died then I'm sure he would have chosen this.

"He died doing a job he loved. As a family, we can't stress this enough. Kyle lived and breathed the Parachute Regiment! He never, ever wanted to do anything else. He died surrounded by his friends and comrades and it brings us great comfort to know that his Para family were with him in his final moments."