Teenage Paratrooper buried

Saturday, 24 May 2003 12:00 AM

Andy Kelly, the youngest British soldier to die in Iraq, has been buried with full military honours.

Kelly was killed in a shooting accident whilst stationed at his Basra barracks on May 6th. He was only two months past his 18th birthday.

With full military honours, Kelly was buried in his home village of Maker, Cornwall. The private's belt, beret and a Union flag were placed on his coffin, which was carried into church by six colleagues from 3 Para.

Amongst the mourners were his Army colleague Geoff Smith. He told those gathered about Kelly's desire to succeed: 'He was a man who wanted more than anything to gain his wings. He succeeded.'

The cortege was led by his dad Robert Kelly, mum and step dad Nick Yallop. His ten year-old brother Ross was amongst those mourning the loss of Kelly.

Also speaking was Private Kelly's best friend. Joe Smith, also 18, said: 'Andy really felt he achieved something by going to the Paras and Iraq. He felt he was doing something with his life.'

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