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Widow to get medal before hero funeral
THE widow of fallen soldier Loren Marlton-Thomas will be awarded the Elizabeth Cross before her husband's funeral.
Nicola Marlton-Thomas, 30, has asked for the medal to be given to her before the 28-year-old's funeral on Tuesday.
The emblem, introduced in July, is awarded by the Queen to the next of kin of Armed Forces personnel killed on operations.
"I asked specially if I could have the medal in time for me to wear on the day Loren is laid to rest," she said.
"I've been informed the Lord Lieutenant of Lancashire, Lord Shuttleworth, will be delivering this and presenting it at 10.15 on Tuesday morning," said Mrs Marlton-Thomas.
In addition to the sterling silver emblem in the shape of a cross over a wreath, Mrs Marlton-Thomas will also be presented with a memorial scroll, signed by the Queen, inscribed with the name of her late husband at the Regiment's Memorial Service, at Carver Barracks, Debden, Essex, next year.
It is the first time the name of a reigning monarch has been given to a new award since the George Cross was instituted in 1940 by King George VI for acts of bravery by both civilians and the military
On the launch of the Elizabeth Cross, the Queen said: "I greatly hope the Elizabeth Cross will give further meaning to the nation's debt of gratitude to the families and loved ones of those who have died in the service of our country. We will remember them all.
"As a people, we accord this ultimate sacrifice the highest honour and respect."
Three white doves will be released at the graveside of Blackpool-born Cpl Loren Marlton-Thomas, who will be buried at the Park Cemetery, Lytham.
Following the gun salute, Mrs Marlton-Thomas, his mother Anne and brother Fraser, 25, will each release a dove at the graveside.
The bomb disposal expert of 33 Engineer Regiment, attended St Peter's Catholic Primary School, Lytham and Lytham St Annes High School.
He died as a result of an explosion as he cleared a path for troops in Helmand Province, Afghanistan, on November 15.
Since then, floral tributes have arrived daily, many from family, friends and colleagues, some anonymously.
A simple bunch of six yellow chrysanthemums really touched Mrs Marlton-Thomas.
She said: "They were left outside the house with a few words of sympathy on a scrap of paper from someone who doesn't even know us. I am so touched by this and other kind gestures."
Mrs Marlton-Thomas is staying with her mother, Jenny Chaliner and her husband Stuart, at their home in Cecil Street, Lytham.
St Annes funeral director, Jeffrey Horsfield said: "Flowers are arriving from across the Fylde coast, from Essex and other parts of the country and we expect more.
Support
"However, if they prefer, people can make a donation to 33 Engineers Injured Soldiers' Fund. The fund gives injured and disabled soldiers financial and practical support.”
Cheques made payable to Central Bank, 33 Engineer Regiment may be forwarded to Jeffrey Horsfield, Funeral Director, 1a St David’s Road North, St Annes.
Mrs Marlton-Thomas’ own floral tribute is formed from white flowers, touched with red and blue, to represent the regimental colours, and will read “My Baby”.
Anne Marlton-Thomas’ tribute is in the form of a simple white cross and his brother Fraser’s is a wreath of poppies. Another floral tribute is in the colours and shape of the Union Jack flag.
Cpl Marlton-Thomas’ hat, medals and white engineer’s belt will rest on the Union flag-draped coffin.
The cortge will leave Cecil Street at about 11am and make its way through Lytham, pausing at the cenotaph for the Mayor of Fylde, Coun Paul Rigby, and others to pay their respects.
The procession will turn right at Station Road on to East Beach, along to Fairlawn Road, left over Skew Bridge and along Blackpool Road to St Joseph’s RC Church.
The service will be followed by interment at Park Cemetery, Regent Avenue, Lytham.
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Weather for Blackpool
Saturday 11 February 2012
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