South Cheshire community pays its respects at the funeral of 24-year-old soldier killed in Ukraine
Family, friends, military colleagues and members of The Royal British Legion gathered in South Cheshire today (August 8) - for the funeral of a soldier (24) killed in the Ukraine.
The Union Jack flag was draped over the coffin of Jordan Gatley and crowds gathered outside St Mary's Church in the centre of Nantwich waiting for the service.
Jordan's hat was perched on top of the coffin which was carried into the church with a military guard of honour lining the church outside.
Elsewhere members of the Royal British Legion's Riders were there to pay their respects for the former pupil of Sandbach School, Lance Corporal Jordan Gatley.
Rev Brian Statham told the congregation: "We are here to pay tribute to a remarkable young man.
"We thank him for the respect he showed for human life. He respected life and paid the ultimate sacrifice."
Jordan's father, Dean, told the service how his son had always wanted to join the army from a young age.
"He joined when he was 18, becoming a rifleman before becoming a Lance Corporal. He left the army in March and shortly afterward decided to go to the Ukraine," said Mr Gatley.
Mr Gatley told how his son joined the Ukrainian Foreign Legion. Jordan was killed by the Russian Special Forces on June 10th "doing a job he loved".
"He was living his dream," said Mr Gatley. "He was a normal person doing heroic things".
Tributes read out during the service spoke of what an exceptional soldier Jordan was. One colleague described him as "the was the best soldier he had ever met".
"He would laugh and smile all the way. Everyone who met him loved him. He was a great warrior who made a difference in the Ukraine," another said.
The congregation sang "I Vow to Thee My Country" and "Amazing Grace" and also watched a short photographic show to the music of Cat Stevens "Morning has Broken" showing Jordan growing up.
The last post was played as Jordan's coffin was carried out before its final journey to the crematorium in Crewe.
A wake was then held at Sandbach Rugby Club in Bradwall Road.
Jordan's family asked for donations to two charities https://donation.dec.org.uk/ukraine-humanitarian-appeal or https://www.helpforheroes.org.uk instead of flowers.
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