Comrades of a soldier who was killed while trying to rescue other troops during an ambush in Iraq paid tribute yesterday to his skill, courage and sacrifice. A funeral service for Gunner David Lawrence was told that the 25-year-old, from Walsall, had helped to rush injured soldiers to hospital after a roadside bomb blast just days before he was killed. Gunner Lawrence, of the 1st Regiment Royal Horse Artillery, died alongside Corporal Marc Taylor near Basra on September 28 as they went to the aid of servicemen whose vehicle had been hit by a rocket-propelled grenade. Addressing the service at Christ Church in Blakenall, Walsall, Gunner Lawrence's troop sergeant, Harry Harrison described David, known as Lozzer, as a "proven Trojan" who was reliable, fit, friendly and a team player. The sergeant told mourners: "We were a family, a band of brothers, and we all feel for you - David's family. B Battery will never ever forget him. He lives on in our hearts and minds, he waits for us. We will meet again. "Words cannot express our profound sense of loss." Troop commander Captain Derek Gilbert outlined his military career, which included driving a "Green Goddess" during the 2002 firefighters' strike, a tour of duty in Bosnia and a period spent training Iraqi police in Basra. He said: "Just days before he was killed his patrol had been attacked by a roadside bomb. The vehicle he had been driving was damaged and three of his mates had been injured by shrapnel. "David was straight in there, changing a wheel on the Land Rover in record time in order that they could be got to hospital as soon as possible." The Rev John Barnes, rector of Blakenall Heath, said: "We come to pay our last respects, and we also come to express our grief, our sorrow, and maybe our anger that David's life was tragically cut short at the age of 25 while he was on active service. "David must have known, as indeed all members of our armed services serving in Iraq must know, that each new day brings the possibility of death. "I have it on good authority that David performed several heroic acts whilst on active service in Iraq. "David also joins a distinguished list of men and women from this community here in Blakenall who have given their lives for our freedom and security." Pointing to the Roll of Honour in the church's Lady Chapel, which bears the names of 250 local people who died in the two World Wars, the clergyman continued: "David Lawrence joins that list of 250 men. "His name will be a name long remembered here in this community, and we are proud that this community produces men like David who are willing to give their lives in the service of others, for Queen, country, and for us." Dozens of servicemen, many wearing desert combat gear, joined the 300-strong congregation to sing The Lord's My Shepherd and Abide With Me. The soldier's coffin, draped in the Union flag and bearing a regimental cap and a single wreath, was carried from the church to the strains of Mariah Carey's hit Hero after the 45-minute ceremony, which was followed by a private burial. | 
