‘Warrior’s’ widow seeks respect for soldiers
mourners line streets as serviceman’s coffin pulled to cathedral
Published:
THE widow of a bomb disposal expert killed in Afghanistan called on the country to show more support for troops yesterday as she paid a powerful tribute to her “warrior” husband at his funeral.
Christina Schmid told the congregation at Truro Cathedral, in Cornwall, that she hoped the death of her husband, Staff Sergeant Olaf Schmid, would unite civilians and troops.
Mrs Schmid, 34, who lived with her husband in Winchester, Hampshire, with her son Laird, five, said Staff Sgt Schmid had “raised the bar” and called on world leaders to do more to protect soldiers.
Hundreds lined the streets and looked on as the hearse carrying the soldier’s coffin pulled up to the cathedral.
Soldiers let off three volleys of gunfire and Royal British Legion veterans raised their standards as the coffin, adorned with the soldier’s beret and a wreath, was carried inside.
Hundreds of uniformed soldiers, family and friends filled the Gothic revival cathedral, and listened as Mrs Schmid took the altar to speak of her loss.
Wearing her husband’s medals, Mrs Schmid remained composed as she said: “We might disagree with a war; However, I hope Olaf’s death, my public storytelling and appreciation, our community display of respect here today can serve to bridge that gap and unite us once more with our troops.”
Staff Sgt Schmid, 30, died on October 31 – a day before he was due to return to the UK – while trying to disarm an improvised explosive device (IED) in the Sangin region of Helmand province.
