Applause for a true hero; TRAGEDY IN AFGHANISTAN.

Byline: Paul Bradley

SPONTANEOUS applause greeted Rifleman Joe Murphy's cortege at Villa Park as the streets of Birmingham came to a standstill for his funeral.

The 18-year-old Castle Bromwich soldier, who was a passionate Aston Villa fan, died in a blast in Afghanistan last month.

He was carrying an injured comrade to safety when a second improvised explosive device exploded, killing them both instantly.

His death came as the bloodiest period of fighting in the region claimed the lives of 22 British servicemen in July.

As six soldiers from Rfn Murphy's regiment, the 2 Rifles, carried his coffin into St Wilfred's Church in Castle Bromwich yesterday, his father broke down in tears.

Friends and family followed the casket in to the chapel through a military guard of honou r.

Many of them were wearing claret and blue scarves in honour of his allegiance to his beloved football team.

Outside, hundreds of mourners bowed their heads as Father George Bennett's sermon was broadcast through loudspeakers to those who could not fit in the church.

Cars stopped in the street as drivers took the time to pay their respects to another fallen hero.

In a statement read out in church by Father Bennett, Rfn Murphy's mum and dad, Jill and Bill, and older brother Ben, paid tribute to troops injured and killed in Afghanistan.

The statement said: "We would like to honour Joe's comrades who died with him on July 10.

"What brave young men. Every one of them is a hero.

"Our thoughts and prayers go out to the injured soldiers recovering in Selly Oak Hospital and Afghanistan as well as those still serving.

"We would also like to thank everyone for their kind words and support.

"Joe meant so much to us and it brings us great comfort to know that he meant so much to so many other people as well."

Capt John Mabb, officer commanding the rear party of the battalion, added: "Joe had made a real impact during his time in the A r my.

"He was a real prospect for the future which we have now so tragically lost.

"He was a real character, a fun loving and humorous guy."

Following the funeral in Castle Bromwich the cortege travelled to Villa Park where a representative laid a wreath on the coffin.

An Aston Villa shirt with the message "To a fallen hero from all the Villa lads" was draped out of the family's car.

As the hearses departed, the crowd of mourners broke into spontaneous applause, an emotional act first seen in Wootton Bassett where fallen soldiers arrive after they have been repatriated.

In his sermon, Father Bennett said: "When a soldier is killed there is a terrible sadness that is shared across the country and local communities.

"This was especially true on July 10 when the lives of five fine soldiers from the 2nd Battalion the Rifles were taken.

"There was one thing that did work for Joe which is amazing and for which we can be grateful. Joe produced wonderful pictures.

"He had a special gift and his talent lay in self portraits."

OUR SAY: PAGE 58

CAPTION(S):

Taken too soon: Rifleman Joseph Murphy and (left) a picture of the young Joseph on the order of service at the church. Guard of honour: The coffin of Rifleman Joseph Murphy, 2nd Battalion, The Rifles, is carried into St Wilfred's Roman Catholic Church in Castle Bromwich. Family's nightmare: Relatives of Rifleman Murphy wait for the coffin to arrive outside the church. United in grief: (From left) a wreath spells out the sentiments of mourners at the funeral of Rifleman Joeseph Murphy; the cortege passes Villa Park; John Handley represents the Aston Villa team, laying a wreath on behalf of the players; well-wishers pay tribute along the procession route; and mourners overcome with emotion. Pictures: Dale Martin and Iain Findlay