Updated: THE eldest sister of York soldier Ashley David Smith paid an emotional tribute as hundreds of mourners gathered in York Minster to say their final farewell to him.

Trooper Smith, of Acomb, was killed last month when he was caught in an explosion while providing security to his colleagues during the building of a road in Afghanistan.

Yesterday, relatives, friends and comrades of the 21-year-old were joined by city leaders, military veterans and members of the public for his funeral service, which was conducted by the Dean of York, the Very Rev Keith Jones.

Speaking at the service, Ashley’s sister, Sadie Gelder, described him as a “lovely brother”, a “fantastic uncle” and a "wonderful son".

She said: “Ashley, you will always be in our hearts, and there will never be a day that goes by that one of us will not mention you.

“You will never be forgotten, so ’bye for now our kid, see you some other day on some other plane. We are all so proud of you.

“You are in God’s Army now and you have a bigger job to do.”

She told mourners about her brother’s “great sense of humour” and “lovely smile”, and said he loved playing practical jokes.

“He was kind, gentle and very funny,” she said. “He never took life too seriously.”

Sadie said Ashley was a talented sportsman who turned down the chance to become a professional basketball player because he wanted to stay with his family.

She said he had been determined to join the Army and although his family had been worried about him, they felt immensely proud. She said: “He wanted to do something with his life.

“He went from strength to strength and he loved it. The Army was the making of him.”

Hymns during the service included Jerusalem and Psalm 23 (The Lord Is My Shepherd), and the congregation also joined the Regimental Association Chaplain in saying the Royal Dragoon Guards’ Regimental Collect.

In a statement printed in the order of service, Lieutenant Colonel James Carr-Smith, commanding officer of the Royal Dragoon Guards, described Ashley as a “highly impressive young man”.

He said: “He was full of energy, very popular and tremendously good company. He loved the camaraderie that the regiment offered and he loved soldiering.

“But he had other passions, chief of which were his family and basketball.”

Speaking before the service, Major Peter Stephen Kirkman, also of the Royal Dragoon Guards, paid a further tribute to Ashley.

He said: “He was a very bright young lad, courageous in everything he did. He loved being in the Army and he loved his family. His family was the most important thing in his life.”


Tributes paid to Trooper Ashley Smith

CROWDS lined the streets to pay their respects to Trooper Ashley David Smith as the war hero’s coffin was carried past an honour guard to his funeral at York Minster.

Hundreds of mourners defied torrential rain and gathered in sombre silence in Duncombe Place and around the cathedral long before the cortege arrived for yesterday afternoon’s service of prayer and thanksgiving.

“It’s the least we can do,” said Anne Steeper, visiting York from Driffield, in comments echoed by many others in the crowd.

“We just wanted to pay our respects.”

Jean Winship and Kathleen Brown, from Acomb, said they had come especially into town because of the service.

The same was true of Territorial Army veteran Peter Copley, from Haxby, and his brother Brian, also a veteran.

Members of the Royal British Legion lowered their standards and the Minster bells tolled as the cortege crept along Duncombe Place, preceded by a piper playing the Skye Boat Song.

One woman stepped forward from the ranks to throw a single rose on to the hearse. Then Trooper Smith’s coffin, draped in the Union Flag and topped with his regimental cap and belt, was carried by fellow members of the Royal Dragoon Guards up the steps into the cathedral past the guard, comprising other soldiers from the Guards.

Two flower arrangements in his hearse spelled out “Son” and “Uncle”, while a third, designed like a basketball, carried a message from his brothers andsisters: “To a very special brother.

“We will always love you. You are our hero Ash. RIP.”

A message from his parents, Sandra and David, read: “You are now part of God’s army of angels – forever in our hearts. Mam and Dad.”

Another message, from his nephews and nieces, said: “Gone but never forgotten, Uncle Ash.” There were also flowers from his girlfriend, Sarah Helstrip.

Many in the crowd remained standing outside the Minster during the service, waiting for the coffin to be brought out.

The bells then played hymns including Abide With Me as it was taken back to the hearse.

Trooper Smith was then taken to Fulford Cemetery for a private burial service.