Town turns out for the 101st time to honour a fallen hero

Published on Tuesday 24 November 2009 21:50

THE body of a Royal Military Police officer killed in a Taleban ambush was yesterday returned to the UK in an emotional hero's homecoming.

Sergeant Robert Loughran-Dickson, 33, died in a gun battle while on a routine foot patrol in the Babaji area of Helmand Province on 18 November.

Yesterday, his body was flown to RAF Lyneham in Wiltshire aboard a C-17 Globemaster.

After a fly-by and memorial service at the base, a hearse made its way along the A3102 towards Wootton Bassett.

The town came to a standstill for the 101st time as the body of Sgt Loughran-Dickson was slowly paraded past mourners.

Hundreds of people paid their respects as the hearse stopped at the town's war memorial, where regimental banners were lowered and church bells rang in respect.

Friends and family placed red and white roses on the vehicle before it made it's way along the High Street toward the John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford.

Sgt Loughran-Dickson's family released a statement shortly after his death, which read: "Robert is a true hero in many ways of whom the whole family are extremely proud.

"He gave the ultimate sacrifice doing what he loved and was devoted to.

"A beloved father, son, brother and uncle. You lit up our lives and that light will stay bright forever. You will be greatly missed, but always loved by all."

Sgt Loughran-Dickson, from Deal, in Kent, leaves behind a son also called Robert, aged 17.

He was transferred to the Royal Military Police in 2001 and served in Kosovo, Iraq, Northern Ireland and finally Afghanistan.