Liverpool funeral for Arbroath marine Ralph Hebden

Tragic Angus marine Ralph Hebden will be laid to rest in his native Liverpool today.

Mr Hebden’s funeral will be held at St Nicholas Church opposite the Liver Buildings before he is buried at Allerton Cemetery.

The funeral will take place at 1pm and is expected to be a private military affair, but there will likely be a separate wake planned for Mr Hebden’s friends.

The 32-year-old, who served with Arbroath-based 45 Commando, was confirmed dead by police after a search lasting more than three weeks.

His body was recovered by the coastguard off the shoreline below Arbroath cliffs on April 1.

Mr Hebden had been missing since March 11, when he had left his home in the town saying he was going out for a morning run.

On the evening of Mr Hebden’s disappearance the coastline, including the cliffs near the town, was combed by coastguards and police late into the night.

A rescue helicopter, the Sea King from RAF Lossiemouth, was also involved in the search.

In the weeks that followed, several searches of Arbroath were made, including one with the involvement of fellow marines from 45 Commando.

His pregnant wife Sarah gave birth to a baby girl on March 22.