Farewell to a true hero

Colleagues gathered with friends and family of Grenadier Guardsman Simon Davison to pay a final tribute at St Mary's Church.

Guardsman Davison, of Oriel Close, died protecting his fellow soldiers at a checkpoint in Helmand Province on May 3.

His funeral, with full military honours, was attended by senior representatives from 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards as well as fellow soldiers, friends and members of the Royal British Legion.

Also in attendance were the Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Staffordshire, Lieutenant Colonel David German, and Lord Lieutenant of Shropshire Mr Algernon Heber-Percy.

Guardsman Davison's coffin was brought into a church by a bearer party of Grenadier Guards. It was draped in a Union flag with a floral tribute plus a forage cap and belt from his formal uniform placed on top.

Following his coffin into church was his mother Maureen Hindmarch and 28-year-old sister Caroline. Grenadier Guards positioned at the entrance to the church saluted their fallen comrade as the coffin passed by at a slow march.

In a eulogy to her brother, Caroline told the congregation: "Simon was the strongest, bravest person I have ever known. He knew that dying was an option when he went Afghanistan but it was an option he was not afraid of. I will never forget him."

Military Padre Patrick Aldred added: "Simon loved his friends so much that he gave his life for them. Remember Simon for the great man that he was."

After the funeral Guardsman Davison was cremated in a short service at Stafford Crematorium on Tixall Road in Stafford where a firing party from the Grenadier Guards paid a final tribute to the soldier.

Guardsman Davison, born in Newcastle upon Tyne, moved to Cannock as a toddler. He later attended Cardinal Griffin High School and then went on to Stafford College. He joined the army in August 2005 and was posted to the Grenadier Guards in March 2006.

In June last year he was chosen to be part of the Trooping the Colour to celebrate the Queen's official birthday.