Military policeman's body flown home to Wiltshire (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Military policeman's body flown home to Wiltshire

7:51am Friday 30th October 2009

• Print
• Email
• Share
• Comments(0)

The body of a military police officer killed in Afghanistan as he cleared the route for his comrades has returned to Wiltshire.

Corporal James Oakland, 26, of the Royal Military Police died in an explosion on October 22 while on patrol in Helmand's Gereshk region.

Cpl Oakland was sweeping the area for improvised explosive devices to allow the Battle Group free movement when the device detonated.

A plane carrying his body arrived at RAF Lyneham yesterday morning where a private ceremony took place at the base's chapel.

His cortege then drove through Wootton Bassett, where the streets were filled with friends, relatives and well-wishers.

As Weapons Intelligence Detachment Commander in the Gereshk area, he provided direct support to IED disposal teams, and backed-up Battle Group patrols.

Cpl Oakland, from New Moston, Manchester, joined the Army in 2002 and went to Afghanistan two months early to replace another military casualty.

He is survived by his parents Steve and Christine and brother Daniel, who is in his final term at the Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst.

He also leaves behind his long-term girlfriend, Lauren Bowyer, whom he "loved dearly" and with whom he travelled the world.

Paying tribute to him in a statement, the family said: "We are immensely proud of James, the person he was and the job that he did. He was a true friend, loving son, grandson, brother and boyfriend who will be dearly missed and never forgotten."

• Print
• Email
• Share
• Comments(0)