The streets were lined with people who came to pay their respects at the funeral of a Woodford Green soldier killed in Afghanistan.
Lieutenant Daniel Clack, 24, was killed two weeks before he was due to return to England on leave when an improvised explosive device exploded as he was leading a ten man team in to the village of Dactran, on August 12.
Crowds of friends, well-wishers and family members came to honour the memory of Lieutenant Clack, who is believed have lived in the Monkhams estate, at his funeral service in St Paul’s Church in Cross Road, Woodford Green, this afternoon (August 25).
Comrades from his regiment, the 1 Rifles, bore his coffin in to the church on their shoulders as members of the Royal British Legion bowed their standards in respect.
His father, mother, brother and fiancé followed close behind.
Friends and colleagues paid moving tribute to Lieutenant Clack.
His commanding officer, Lieutenant Colonel James de Labilliere, said: “Lieutenant Dan Clack was a young officer who was, quite simply, part of the heart and soul of the battalion. He had, day on day, demonstrated a courage and bravery that was profound and inspiring but, as was his way, exercised with the lightest of touch.”
“His men quite evidently adored him and they showed him a loyalty and respect in a way that is reserved for only the very few and the very best.”
Lieutenant Clack studied geography at Exeter University before joining the army in 2009.
His university tutor, Dr Stewart Barr, said: “I remember him as hard working and very professional. He had a desire to serve his country and that is what motivated him.”
Julia Laws, 65, of Gwynne Park Avenue, Woodford Green, is a friend of the Clack family.
She said: “I had to come and pay my respects. It is the least we can do. It is just so sad and senseless.”
Glenda Williams, 44, of Dukes Avenue, was part of a group of local parents who came to lay flowers on Lieutenant Clack’s funeral bier with their children.
She said: “I think it is important to show respect solidarity with the family. One of the little girls here’s father is about to go out to Afghanistan.”
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