A SOLDIER, described as a true hero, was finally laid to rest yesterday (Thursday) in the tiny village of Hamstead Marshall, where he had lived.
A private family funeral was held in the rural quiet of West Berkshire for Lieut Douglas Anthony Keith Dalzell, of the 1st Battalion Coldstream Guards, who died from his wounds after an explosion Helmand province on February 18, his 27th birthday, while serving as part of a major offensive against the Taliban, Operation Moshtarak.
About 50 members of his family and close friends gathered for the service at St Mary The Virgin church, in the village where his parents, Anthony and Colette, live.
Mourners arrived in bitterly cold weather to the grounds of a former country estate near the church and the casket was carried in by fellow members of the Coldstream Guards in full uniform, after they removed their bearskin hats.
The service, which began at 12.30pm, was conducted by the Rev Julie Ramsbottom and a military chaplain, the Rev Deiniol Morgan.
Olivia Dalzell, the sister of “Dougie”, as he was known by those close to him, delivered a reading during the hour-long service.
The Collect of the Coldstream Guards was said and Lieut Robbie Donaldson read ‘I Am There’ by Iris Hessleden.
Lieut Dalzell was buried with military honours in the churchyard, with The Last Post ringing out on the bugle.
Lieut Dalzell’s family have previously described the son and brother they lost to war as their world and said: "Our darling son and brother to Olivia and Angus, you touched the hearts of so many.
“You are our world and we love you with all our hearts. You only ever looked for the good in people and kept strong and happy in all you did.
“You are a true hero and we will miss you forever."
Tributes also poured in from his colleagues, who described him as “the ultimate role model,” “ an absolute gentleman” and a “bright star”.
The battalion’s commanding officer, Lt Col Toby Gray, said: "The gap he leaves in his company, the battalion and officers' mess is enormous.
“We all mourn his death and will miss his gentle yet keen sense of humour, but our loss is nothing to that of his family; his parents, his brother Angus and sister Liv, and many, many friends beyond the Army and regiment.”