Vatubua repatriated to UK

The body of the first member of the British armed forces to be killed in Afghanistan in 2011, Private Joseva Vatubua has been repatriated to the UK.

Private Joseva Saqanagonedau Vatubua died on the 1st of this month in an explosion in the Helmand province.

The body of Pte Vatubua, was flown to RAF Lyneam in Wiltshire where a private service was held for his family.

BBC News reports Vatubua's friends said it was like "losing a brother" as they joined his family in Wiltshire.

As the cortage passed through nearby a bell tolled as his widow, Claudette placed a single rose on top of the hearse.

Local people and members of the Royal British Legion also paid their respects.

Pte Vatubua had intended to renew his marriage vows and his widow wept silently as she watched the hearse pull away.

Pte Vatubua, who attended Laucala Bay Secondary School, joined the British Army in 2007 and was deployed to Afghanistan in October last year.

He was a member of the Battalion's Fijian Choir and sang in Canterbury Cathedral, where a memorial service will be held later this week.


Story by: sofaia Koroitanoa