THERE was an outpouring of love in Cam on Friday as almost 500 people turned out to pay their respects to the brave soldier and dedicated family man who tragically died in a bomb blast in Afghanistan earlier this month.
Rifleman Martin Lamb, 27, Lamby to those who knew him well, was buried with full military honours at St Bartholomew’s Church in Cam on Friday.
The service was attended by General Sir Nick Parker, Commander-in-Chief Land Forces, Colonel Commandant of The Rifles and by the Lord Lieutenant of Gloucestershire, Dame Janet Trotter.
The regimental standard of First Battalion The Rifles, together with those of the Royal British Legion, were lowered as the body of Rifleman Lamb arrived at the church for the service in celebration of his life.
A three-gun salute was performed in his memory by members of his regiment while friends and family paid tribute to him in moving speeches during the service.
His widow Melissa said "rare" was only word to describe her husband. She referred to him as her soulmate and said it was an honour to be married to him.
"He was everything anyone could ever ask for," she said.
His step-father Lloyd Pennington, who lives with Martin’s mother Abby in Berkeley, said Lamby was a devoted husband and father.
"He never had a bad word to say about anyone," said Mr Pennington in his tribute. "Thank you for letting me be your step-father Martin."
Colleagues in his battalion described him as a dedicated soldier who lived for the job, but also as a bright person with "real personality and flair".
Lance Corporal Stuart Howell, from Dursley, currently serving in Afghanistan, sent his tribute and said the only bad thing about his friend was "his taste in music".
Rifleman Lamb, a father to two-year-old Rosie, died on June 5 while supporting the local Afghans in the fight against insurgency in a dangerous area of Helmand Province.
His coffin, draped in the Union Jack, was carried by members of his battalion.
The church, which holds 240, had standing room only while hundreds more stood outside where a speaker broadcast the service.
Rifleman Lamb was carried out of the church to the Snow Patrol song Light Up.
A private burial service was held after the funeral.
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