sad story
Mourners pay tribute to British Army hero and his dog killed in Afghanistan
Hundreds of mourners yesterday lined the road in tribute to an Army dog handler and his loyal springer spaniel who died in Afghanistan.
Lance Corporal Liam Tasker, 26, was killed by a sniper’s bullet and his 22-month-old explosives sniffer dog Theo died from a seizure later the same day. Scores of Liam’s relatives and friends laid roses on the hearse carrying his coffin, draped in a Union Jack.
Liam’s mum Jane Duffy, 51, hugged his sister Nicola, 13, and fiancee Leah Walters, 33, as the cortege halted briefly in the centre of Wootton Bassett, Wilts.
A dozen dogs were at the roadside with their military and police handlers.
As a single church bell tolled, the silence was broken by a handful of barks but most of the animals sat obediently beside their handlers.
The remains of search dog Theo were cremated in Afghanistan and flown to RAF Lyneham on the same flight as his master.
Liam’s dad Ian Tasker said yesterday he was convinced Theo died from a broken heart. He said: “My honest opinion on this is, when Liam went down, that Theo didn’t have the comfort from Liam to calm him down. That would have a big, big impact.”
Mum Jane said: “I’d like to believe Theo died of a broken heart to be with Liam.”
Theo’s ashes were not at the repatriation ceremony. The cask will be presented to Liam’s family in private.
Together Liam and Theo set a new record by finding 14 secret explosive and arms hauls during their five months on the front line in dangerous Helmand province. Theo was so successful his stay in Afghanistan was extended by a month.
Speaking last month Liam, of Kirkcaldy, Fife, said: “I love my job and working together with Theo. He has great character and never tires. He can’t wait to do his job.”
Liam, of the 1st Military Working Dog Regiment, was on patrol with Theo when he died instantly in a fire fight 11 days ago. The spaniel escaped unhurt and was taken back to Camp Bastion but died hours later. Liam’s girlfriend Leah said: “There will be a Liam Tasker-sized hole in my life forever.”
His family said: “He died a hero doing a job he was immensely passionate about.”
Lt Col Chris Ham, of the Royal Army Veterinary Corps, praised Liam as a “professional”, adding: “But more importantly he was a thoroughly nice chap.”
)
)
