Mourners pay tribute to Tyneside soldier
Aug 9 2008 by Hugh Macknight, The Journal
MOURNERS paid their last respects yesterday to a North East Army dog handler killed in Afghanistan.
Lance Corporal Kenneth Rowe, of the Royal Army Veterinary Corps, had been due to leave frontline duties, but asked to stay on because he was worried about the lack of cover.
He and his explosives sniffer dog Sasha were killed after coming under Taliban fire in Helmand last month.
Hundreds of mourners, including Parachute Regiment veterans and members of the 24-year-old’s grieving family, gathered at St Bartholomew’s Church, Longbenton, Newcastle, for the funeral service.
His coffin was carried into the church as the rock ballad More Than Words, by Extreme, played.
L/Cpl Rowe, who had a young daughter, was attached to the 2nd Battalion, the Parachute Regiment.
On July 23, the day before he was due to return to Tyneside, he opted to remain in Helmand. He was killed the next day.
His brothers-in-arms described L/Cpl Rowe as a popular, brave, professional who would be sorely missed.
His commanding officer, Major Stuart McDonald, said: “This unselfish action epitomised his professionalism and dedication to his job.
“I feel lucky to have known him and gutted to have said goodbye.”
Warrant Officer Class Two Frank Holmes said of him: “L/Cpl Rowe was one of the most enthusiastic handlers that I had seen for some time. He was a sergeant major’s dream.
“His work ethic was second to none and his talent with dogs unquestionable. His thirst for knowledge ensured that he never stopped asking questions and he wanted to know as much about his chosen profession as possible.
“A keen sportsman, especially at football, he represented the Unit and the Corps; we often joked that he could play for Newcastle United if he got to the game early enough. Ken was also a talented runner and was by far the quickest in the unit.”
His close friend L/Cpl Marianne Hay RAVC said: “Ken was always full of confidence, he was popular with the ladies and he always made me smile. In fact he got on with everyone; he made friends easily and was a tremendous character to have in the unit.”
On memorial website www.lastingtribute.co.uk his partner Helen Bell, 23, with whom he had a daughter Hannah, wrote: “Ken I will never forget you, I miss you so much already. I will look after our daughter Hannah and I promise she will grow up to know her daddy as a hero. I’m so proud of you, I can’t believe we will never have our long conversations all night.
“I’m privileged to say you were my boyfriend, and through all our good and bad times, we always came out the other end together. I’ll keep all your letters and show Hannah when she grows up, and she can see just what a wonderful man her daddy was.
“All your friends will be around to tell Hannah stories about her daddy. Please watch over her and you never know she may just become an RAF officer just like you wanted her to! I love you, and always will. See you soon darling Your girl Helen, and your baby girl Hannah xxxxxxx.”
L/Cpl Rowe’s funeral was followed by a private cremation.
