The soldiers killed on July 1st in Afghanistan, Warrant Officer Class 2 Leonard Thomas, Guardsman Craig Roderick and Guardsman Apete Tuisovurua, were repatriated on Thursday, July 5th to Brize Norton. All three had been helping organise a meeting with the local detachment of Afghan National Civil Order Police. Having completed their task and on leaving the compound, they were attacked by a man in an Afghan Police uniform and fatally wounded.

Regulars at the Ye Olde Ferrie Inn, Symonds Yat, were still in shock last week as they talked fondly about Mr Thomas. "He was in here just before leaving for his final tour about two or three weeks ago. He left the pub saying: "I'll see you in September. He was just a really nice guy."

Stuart Wyley from Wye Canoes shared a pint with him the night before he left for Afghanistan. Speaking to the Gazette Stuart said: "All the characters get noticed and he was a character. He was clear in his thoughts and beliefs. He always had lots of stories."

The sense of disbelief is palpable as they look around the room where they said goodbye to him. "He would always pop in before travelling off somewhere," said Stuart, "then return with a suntan. He had a great sense of humour, always taking the mick. Everyone round here know him."

For Stuart the tragedy has an added poignancy – the last time Pez, as Leonard was known, was home they talked about his plans for life after he left the army. "He wasn't quite ready but was beginning to think about it. Their dog died six weeks ago and he said, 'when I get back in September we'll get another dog.' It's really really sad."

Before he left for army assignments he would do the rounds, visiting the pubs in Symonds Yat, and friends. "He liked being part of a community here. If there was a marriage or something like that, he would go and be part of these things.

He definitely wanted to be part of a community." And generous too. "He used to often say that the instructors here could use his canoe if we needed it. Even if he wasn't there. 'Don't even ask he said.' That was the sort of guy he was. Very generous."

As the bodies of the soldiers were repatriated, the sun shone brightly on the cortege which left Brize Norton on its way to the John Radcliffe Hospital.

Along the route they passed by hundreds of locals, veterans, members of the British Legion as well as the families and friends of the soldiers.

They were taken from the airfield past Carterton Memorial Garden, where local dignitaries including the Mayor and Mayoress of Carterton and the Mayor and Mayoress of Witney, were part of the crowd witnessing their solemn journey.

More than 200 people had gathered at The Final Turn in Oxford to pay tribute to the soldiers.

More details of the repatriation can be seen on The Royal Marines Association website.