Final farewell to hero Stephen

Lorraine Tinney • Published 13 Aug 2010 14:00

MORE than 1,000 mourners turned out yesterday to bid farewell to war hero Stephen Monkhouse.

A massive crowd gathered at St Andrew’s RC Church in Greenock as the 28-year-old’s Union Jack-draped coffin - bearing his Scots Guard’s cap and uniform belt - was carried inside by fellow soldiers.

Family, friends and local people bowed their heads and wept as they paid their last respects.

Stephen’s two-year-old son, Brandon, was among the congregation.

Military colours of red and green stood out among a sea of black as mourners said goodbye to a cherished son, brother, father and comrade affectionately nicknamed ‘Monkey’.

Major Iain Gwynne, far right, officer commanding 1st Battalion rear party in Catterick, speaking to the Telegraph prior to the funeral, said the army was there for the family during this difficult time and was pleased at the support they had received from the local community.

He said: “They are a wonderful family. It’s great to see such support.

“I would expect no less. Stephen was an outstanding man and he did an outstanding job in Afghanistan.

“Stephen was the very finest. He was a stand-up man. He lived life to the full and took every opportunity life presented - to enjoy himself, to be a soldier and to be a musician.

“He was just a fantastic guy. There would have been 5,000 people at the funeral if my regiment wasn’t serving in Afghanistan.

“Their thoughts will be with Stephen today. They will be holding a vigil for him and our battalion flag will be flying at half mast.”

Hundreds of mourners packed the pews of St Andrew’s and scores more lined the outer aisles and the back of the imposing Catholic church.

Pipe Sergeant Ross McCrindle, of the 1st Battalion Scots Guards, played a moving lament of ‘Over The Sea To Skye’ and ‘Amazing Grace’ as Stephen’s coffin was brought inside.

The popular soldier was shot dead by Taliban insurgents along with Matthew Stenton of the Royal Dragoon Guards as they tried to rescue a wounded comrade in Helmand Province in Afghanistan on 21 July.

Stephen, of Graham Street, was a devoted dad and had a close relationship with all members of his family, including dad Billy, mum Linda Watt, brother Allan and sisters Stacey and Ashleigh and stepbrother and sister Nathan and Kerry.

Only minutes before he died, Stephen had been speaking about how much he was looking forward to seeing his son and the rest of the family in Greenock.

Parish priest Father Peter McGarry celebrated the mass, which was a fitting tribute prompting laughter and tears.

Major Gwynne delivered a heartfelt eulogy on behalf of heartbroken members of Stephen’s battalion, painting a picture of a fun-loving young man who put his heart into everything.

He told how Stephen constantly spoke of his friends and family in Greenock and praised the courage of his last actions.

Major Gywnne told the congregation: “Stephen was one of the finest.

“He rushed to help a colleague while under fire himself.

“He manned his gun right to the end. The risk to himself increased with every second he remained, but remain he did.”

The commanding officer added that in the years to come, he and his colleagues will tell their grandchildren what a wonderful man Stephen was on that day.

He said: “I have decided that as the clock strikes 12 tonight I will raise my glass to the bravest Scots Guardsman I ever saw in the field.”

He also recalled how the popular soldier had met the Prime Minister.

He said: “I still can’t believe he told David Cameron that England had no chance of winning the World Cup.”

The congregation heard of Stephen’s dedication to the army and his passion for music in his role as a side drummer in the Scots Guards’ band.

The Major went on to describe Stephen’s glee at watching his appearance on the BBC’s Jools Holland Hogmanay show, while he celebrated New Year in the pub with his pals.

Father McGarry, who led the service, said: “Stephen was killed in Afghanistan, leaving a great sorrow and a great hole in the lives of his family and colleagues.

“He died with great courage coming to the aid of a wounded fellow soldier.”

After the service, Stephen made the poignant journey to his final resting place at Knocknairshill Cemetery.

A private ceremony was then held for close relatives and friends.

The family had sent a sea of floral tributes reflecting Stephen’s many roles, including ones which spelt out the words ‘daddy’, ‘son’ and ‘Monkey’, as well as an arrangement in the shape of a drum.

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This article appeared in Greenock Telegraph 13 Aug 10

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