The weak spring sunshine broke through the clouds as war hero Lance Corporal Liam Tasker, his coffin draped with a union flag, took his final journey.
The loved ones he repeatedly called “the best family in the world” wept as tribute after tribute was paid to the courageous 26-year-old during a moving service in Fife.
Liam, of the Royal Army Veterinary Corps, perished in Helmand Province, Afghanistan, alongside his loyal dog Theo this month.
Between them, man and beast worked in harmony, finding a record 14 hidden bombs and deadly weapons caches prior to their deaths.
The peaceful town of Tayport came to a virtual standstill as Liam was laid to rest amid a full military ceremony. Hundreds of mourners packed into the local parish church for the touching service, which featured contributions from several family members.
Among those paying tribute was Liam’s brother, Ian, who broke down as he described his soldier sibling as “a true hero.”
Liam’s coffin arrived at the church accompanied by several members of his regiment. Meanwhile, standard bearers from the Royal British Legion Scotland raised their flags in honour of a fallen comrade.
Six members of Liam’s unit removed the coffin from the hearse before lifting it on to their shoulders. Then, with arms linked, they slowly marched into the church. Family members wept as they looked on, and Liam’s mother Jane was heard to tearfully cry out, “Well done lads.”
The service began with the song, The Funeral by Band of Horses, which Reverend Brian Oxburgh said was Liam’s favourite piece of music.
Among the tributes was an address by Lieutenant Colonel David Thorpe, commanding officer of 1 Military Working Dog Regiment. He said that after he joined up it very quickly became clear Liam was a “rising star.”
“He was passionate about dogs and had an uncanny affinity with them,” Lt Col Thorpe continued. “However, he was more than just a good soldier and a good dog handler, he was a unique character.
“He was, to quote some of his colleagues, a top bloke and in all senses larger than life.”
Lt Col Thorpe said there could be no doubt Liam and Theo had saved countless lives. “Liam Tasker was challenged in the most fearsome ways but never faltered,” he said. “He loved his family and friends and was noted for being brave, loyal and strong.
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“Liam saved the lives of friends and colleagues on numerous occasions. He was a hero. He led the way so that others might be safe.”
Speaking outside the church, Lt Col Thorpe said, “Liam Tasker and Theo had the most finds of any search team.
“That was the kind of guy Liam was – he absolutely insisted on being the best. Liam and Theo came as a matched pair, they died as a matched pair and we will remember them as a matched pair.”
Liam’s brother Ian paid a tearful tribute as he told mourners he had been looking forward his return from Afghanistan so they could “play some music and have a beer.”
Looking out at the sea of faces within the church, he said, “Liam would be chuffed to see so many friendly faces.
“He was the best brother, son and grandson you could ask for. He loved his family to bits and we were fiercely protective of each other.”
His voice cracking with emotion, Ian recalled how Liam “always looked out” for him.
“I have no doubt he did all he could to protect the lads he was deployed with – even if that meant putting himself in harm’s way,” he continued. “I was so much looking forward to seeing my little brother again.”
A poem penned by one of Liam’s friends was read to mourners by his uncle, William McCord. Meanwhile, another uncle – Major Richard McCord – read a passage from the Gospel of St John.
The service ended with the playing of The Day That Never Comes by Metallica, one of Liam’s favourite bands. The cortege then moved on to the local cemetery, where an army bugler gave a poignant rendition of The Last Post.
The ashes of Liam’s beloved and faithful companion Theo – who died just a few hours after his master – were previously presented to the soldier’s family.
As mourners departed Tayport, it was clear that grief at Liam’s death is being keenly felt throughout the community. The Fife soldier may be gone, but he is certainly not forgotten.