Tributes for Bovey Tracey soldier Corporal Stephen Thompson

Yesterday was the public homecoming of Corporal Stephen Thompson, of Bovey Tracey, who died for his country on Sunday as a result of an exposion in Afganistan.

Hundreds of people joined the family and friends to pay their respects to a hero.

Born in Cleveland on 11 August 1978 - he enlisted in the Army in January 1997 and was sent to be trained at the Army Training Regiment in Lichfield, completing his course in October that year.

He joined the 1st Battalion The Devonshire and Dorset Regiment where he successfully completed a Junior Non Commissioned Officers' Cadre earning him promotion to Lance Corporal.

Corporal Thompson then completed the Section Commanders Battle Course before being posted to the Infantry Training Centre in Catterick to train recruits. He returned to 1 RIFLES in January 2010 before volunteering to deploy as a Battle Casualty Replacement for 3 RIFLES.

Corporal Thompson joined A Company (A Coy) 3 RIFLES in February and was working with 2 Platoon out of Patrol Base Almas in Sangin when he was tragically killed while on patrol by an improvised explosive device (IED).  

His parents made the following statement:

"We are so very proud of our son Stephen and all that he achieved. He lived life to the full and died doing the job he loved.

"He will be sorely missed by his mum and dad, brother and sisters, his son, Ewan, and all of those who had the pleasure of knowing him. Always in our hearts."

Here are some comments from his collegues:

Lieutenant Colonel Nick Kitson, Commanding Officer 3 RIFLES Battle Group, said:

"Corporal Stephen Thompson joined us just over a month ago, thirsty for operational experience having spent two years instructing recruits at Catterick. I couldn't have asked for a better Non Commissioned Officer to come out and take command of one of my sections. Enthusiastic, professional and brave, he was a great influence on the section he was commanding, and on his new platoon.

"Go-getting and committed, he embraced the challenge of operating in one of the most demanding environments, within this most demanding of operational theatres. Dedicated to his job, his only thoughts were for the effectiveness of his team in bringing a better future for the oppressed people of Sangin.

"In the short time he was with us, Corporal Thomson had made a lasting impact. His loss is another blow to this Battle Group and our nation but we shall continue his noble work undaunted. He will be sorely missed by those in 2 Platoon but also across the whole Battle Group.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with his son Ewan, his parents and his loved ones. We know that they will remember him as we do, with pride and nothing but admiration."

Corporal Ben Hall of 2 Platoon said:

"In the short period of time Tommo was with 2 Platoon, I got on with him like a house on fire. He was always coming out with one-liners that had us in clip laughing. He was a great bloke and fitted right in with our Platoon. It was a privilege and an honour to have served and fought side by side with you, mate. Ben"

Lance Corporal David Hopkinson of 2 Platoon said:

"In memory of Corporal Thompson AKA 'Tommo' he was an awesome section commander and a very funny man with a great sense of humour.

"I only knew him for a few weeks but in the time I did know him we got on really well, even though he was not 3 RIFLES a space has appeared in the Platoon because he was a great bloke and was liked instantly. You will be missed mate and all my thoughts are with your family."

Source: British Army Website