Soldier killed in accident will '˜be sorely missed'

Tributes have been paid to a Fylde soldier who has been killed in a road accident.
Private Matthew WadePrivate Matthew Wade
Private Matthew Wade

Matthew Wade, 21, died after he was hit by a bus in Chelmsford, close to his base in Colchester.

The serviceman, who was a member of the 3rd Battalion of The Parachute Regiment, was from Cleveleys.

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His commanding officer described him as relishing his role in the army.

Lieutenant Colonel Geoff Hargreaves, Commanding Officer of 3rd Battalion The Parachute Regiment, said: “It is with the deepest regret that we confirm the death of Private Matthew Wade in a road traffic accident in Chelmsford.

“Matthew had recently joined C Company, 3rd Battalion The Parachute Regiment having completed his training in Catterick.

“He immediately took to battalion life showing great enthusiasm, professionalism and early potential.

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“He relished the role of serving with The Parachute Regiment and being in the UK’s high readiness contingency force.

“Although a relatively new member of The Parachute Regiment, he will be sorely missed by all his brother paratroopers.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with Matthew’s family and friends.”

The paratrooper died after being hit on the A1114 near the Army and Navy roundabout in Chelmsford in the early hours of Sunday August 7.

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He was pronounced dead at the scene. Police closed the road for around 10 hours while they investigated the tragedy.

An inquest into Private Wade’s death was opened on Tuesday.

His funeral service will take place at St John’s Church, Thornton, on Tuesday August 23 at 2pm prior to committal at Carleton Crematorium.

Mourners are being requested to give donations in his memory to The Parachute Regiment Charity.

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