William's name to be added to memorial (From Ledbury Reporter)

William's name to be added to memorial

9:34am Wednesday 8th September 2010 in News

THE mother of the youngest soldier killed in Afghanistan hopes his name will be added to the war memorial of his home village in time for Remembrance Sunday, in November.

William Aldridge, who served with the 2nd Battalion the Rifles, was killed by an explosion as he tended comrades injured by an earlier blast in Sangin province just over a year ago.

Work is currently being undertaken to ensure his name joins other local servicemen killed while fighting for their country on the war memorial at St Andrew’s Church, Bredenbury.

His mother, Lucy Aldridge, said: “William lived in Bredenbury and grew up here and he is a local hero. Every village has a war memorial to remember those who have lost their lives in war.”

The memorial, just half-a-mile from the Aldridges’ home, will hopefully host the first Remembrance Day event there in a number of years.

Church reverend Lynn Money said: “We’re trying to get funding from various people but I’m pretty certain it will get done.”

Mrs Aldridge thanked the efforts of Lord Lieutenant of Herefordshire, Lady Darnley, who she said had been “instrumental” in getting the name added.

“She has been absolutely fantastic,” said Mrs Aldridge. “She was also the one who got Bromyard Town Council to let us travel the wrong way up the High Street for the funeral. She has been so supportive.”

Mrs Aldridge said William had attended numerous Remembrance Day events at St Peter’s Church, Bromyard, when he served with the army cadets.

The fund-raising for the William Aldridge Foundation - which was set up by Mrs Aldridge to help injured servicemen and women and the bereaved families of soldiers - will also continue later this year with the official launch of a William Aldridge charity wristband.

For more information visit williamaldridgefoundation.org.uk.