Tribute to killed soldier

Lance Corporal Jake Alderton of 20 Field Squadron, 36 Engineer Regiment died on November 9 after the vehicle he was travelling in left the road and rolled off a bridge near the district centre of Sangin in Helmand Province.

Lt Jon Dolphin from Salonika Company attended LCpl Alderton’s ramp ceremony where soldiers paid their respects to the 22-year-old from Bexley.
Lt Jon Dolphin



I didn't know LCpl Alderton. I may have stood next to him in the queue for the mess, I may have even said hello to him in passing, but I didn't know him. There had been other ramp ceremonies during my short time at Camp Bastion, but his was the first I had been to.

The garrison was formed up on the edge of the airfield. All but those on essential duties were present and it made an impressive sight. In the late afternoon sun, the mood was quiet and sombre. The parade was brought to attention and the bearers, at slow march, carried the coffin, draped in the union flag, into view of all.

A bugle call broke the silence sounding the Last Post. The ensuing silence was a chance for reflection - a chance for reflection on the tragic loss of the young Sapper, however, also a chance for refection on our involvement in Afghanistan. This was not the first ramp ceremony and it will not be the last.

The bugle sounded again signalling Reveille. The soldier's CO read his eulogy paying tribute to his dedication and the selfless commitment he had always shown to his job and his colleagues. The words were made even more touching by an addition from his parents which talked of his love for the army – a love that required him to make the ultimate sacrifice.

From the south the C130 made its slow approach descending gradually until its wheels touched the ground. Even the landing seemed graceful in the warm glow of the setting sun. The tyres barely made a sound as they touched down in unison on the hard concrete. As the aircraft manoeuvred into position the parade was once again brought to attention as the aircraft’s ramp was slowly lowered.

Standing to attention, I was struck by how deeply respectful the entire ceremony had been. A final tribute to the bravery of a fallen soldier. The bearer party, at slow march, guided by the padre, carried their precious cargo on board the aircraft.

As the aircraft took off to the north, it made a graceful turn to the west bringing it back on course with the parade a few hundred feet below. As it passed low overhead, the pilot dipped the wings from side to side signalling a final farewell taking LCpl Alderton away from the dusty landscape of Afghanistan for the last time, taking him home.

I walked away from the airfield with a friend. This had been my first ramp ceremony, this was his 24th. This is war.