Hundreds grieve for Afghanistan hero
THE grieving family of a soldier killed in Afghanistan trying to save a wounded comrade were joined by hundreds yesterday at the repatriation of his body.
Acting Sergeant John Amer, 30, of 1st Battalion Coldstream Guards, was caught in a second blast after rushing to help a colleague blown up moments earlier.
At Wootton Bassett, Wiltshire, his father John was comforted by family and friends as they placed red roses on top of the hearse.
Sgt Amer, from Sunderland, leaves behind a widow, Sue, and their 13-year-old daughter, Lisa.
When he died Mrs Amer said: “He was my best friend. The pain of losing him is overwhelming.”