Soldiers Joe Murphy and Jonathan Horne among 13 fallen honoured by 2 Rifles regiment

Nov 6 2009 by Paul Bradley, Birmingham Mail

MIDLAND soldiers Joe Murphy and Jonathan Horne were among 13 lost members of the 2 Rifles regiment who were remembered in an emotional homecoming medals ceremony.

Rifleman Murphy, aged 18, from Castle Bromwich (below) , and Corporal Horne, aged 28, from Walsall, (right) were killed along with three of their comrades in Afghanistan on July 10.

Speaking about the gruelling six-month tour, Commanding Officer Rob Thompson yesterday paid tribute to his men.

He said those who had lain down their lives and made the ultimate sacrifice would be remembered forever by their comrades.

He said: “We will never forget the sacrifice made by those who have given their lives.

“And we are holding their families close. The commitment, courage and sheer grit of every man in the battle group has been humbling.”

The families of eight of the 13 men killed were presented with the Elizabeth Cross at the regiment’s home base of Ballykinler in Northern Ireland, in recognition of the loss they had suffered.

The other five families will be presented with the medals later or have received them already.