Teenage Para is laid to rest

Jun 21 2008 The Journal

MORE than 1,000 people came together yesterday to pay their respects to a teenage soldier killed in Afghanistan.

Private Nathan Cuthbertson died alongside two colleagues when a suicide bomber detonated an explosive device in Helmand Province on June 8.

The 19-year-old, from the 2nd Battalion the Parachute Regiment, became the 98th soldier to die in Afghanistan.

Around 850 people filled Sunderland Minster to pay their respects while hundreds more watched the service from a giant TV screen in the grounds of the church. Addressing the service, Major Sam McGrath, from 2 Para, said: “What can anyone say to quantify the sacrifice Nathan and his family have made for our country? So many dreams, so much potential will remain unfulfilled.

“He was so proud to follow his father and join the Parachute Regiment. He died doing his duty and doing his best for the people of Afghanistan.”

A seven-man colour party from the regiment carried the coffin, draped with a Union flag and Pte Cuthbertson’s maroon beret, into the Minster.

A guard of honour formed of past and present members of the regiment lined up outside. The soldier’s family – father Tom, himself a former member of 2 Para, mother Carla and younger brothers Connan, 15, and Blaine, 14 – followed the coffin into the church.

Friend Chris Curtis, who had known Nathan since primary school, told the service: “He was a good friend to many people and he always put his family first. He loved his boys (younger brothers) to bits and he would do anything for them. Cuthy loved his dad and was really proud to follow his footsteps and get into the Paras. They weren’t just father and son – they were best mates.”

The service was led by Rev Stephen Hazlett and among the hymns sung were I Vow To Thee My Country and The King Of Love My Shepherd Is.

Pop songs Show Me Heaven, by Maria McKee, and One Blood, from the film Green Street, were also played.

As the coffin was led from the church, Pte Cuthbertson’s mother broke down in tears and his father – wearing his maroon Parachute Regiment beret – put an arm around his two teenage sons.

The service was followed by interment at Monkwearmouth Cemetery.

Pte Cuthbertson, from Tunstall in Sunderland, was fatally injured, along with his colleagues Private Daniel Gamble and Private Charles Murray, when a lone insurgent detonated an explosive device as they returned to base.

The soldier fulfilled his childhood dream by following in his father’s footsteps and becoming a gunner for the Parachute Regiment.

Pte Cuthbertson was described as an “excellent soldier” and a “mega bloke” by his colleagues.

His parents said: “He died a hero, doing a job he loved amongst his friends. Nathan had a real passion for life – he always had a smile”.

He was so proud to follow his father and join the Parachute Regiment. He died doing his duty