Hundreds pay respects to former Dorchester Schoolboy (From Dorset Echo)

Hundreds pay respects to former Dorchester Schoolboy

10:12am Wednesday 9th December 2009 in News By Miriam Phillips

The funeral of Rifleman Philip Allen

A FORMER Dorchester schoolboy was given a hero’s farewell as hundreds gathered for his funeral.

Rifleman Philip Allen, 20, who attended the former Penwithen School in Dorchester, was killed by an improvised explosive device near Sangan in central Helmand province on the eve of Remembrance Day.

His funeral cortege left his family’s home in Verwood and passed through nearby Wimborne town centre on its way to Wimborne Minster for the military service.

Royal British Legion standard bearers provided a guard of honour and residents lined the streets to honour Rifleman Allen, who was in the 2nd Battalion The Rifles.

Fellow Rifleman Matthew Day, 20, of Portland, stood honourably to carry Rifleman Allen’s coffin alongside five other soldiers from the 2nd Battalion The Rifles.

The last time any of them saw the young soldier was in Afghanistan three weeks before he was killed.

Fresh out of training school, Rifleman Allen joined their regiment as a battlefield casualty replacement and chose to stay on to support his fellow soldiers.

Rifleman Day, who also travelled to Wootton Bassett to lay a flower on the coffin during Rifleman Allen’s repatriation, said: “It was a good way to pay my respects and I’m glad I could be there alongside the other lads.

“We were all out there with Phil and wanted to pay our respects to a top guy.”

About 600 people filled the Minster, including his mother Karen Charman-Allen, his stepfather Steven Allen, sisters Leah Charman, 17, and Natasha Charman, 10, and fiancee Karina Pharoah.

Some 100 people also stood outside in the rain to listen to the service and pay their respects.

Mrs Charman-Allen, 42, fought back tears to read a poem she had penned in his memory but also called for people to back the troops.

She urged the British public never to forget the sacrifices made by servicemen like her son and to support those continuing to serve their country.

Lieutenant Colonel Rob Thomson paid tribute to Rifleman Allen.

He said the soldier was already ‘battle-hardened and operationally experienced’.

“He had humour and he had courage - two utterly vital military characteristics,” said Lieutenant Colonel Thomson.

“There was no doubt that he was a battle-winner in these difficult days.

“He was a critical part of that team. He knew the importance of transferring his knowledge and experience.

“He made the ultimate sacrifice in doing so.

“We have lost a rising star and I do not say that lightly.”

The soldier’s best friend, Karl Howard, told the service: “There were lots of things that made Phil a great person, but the two that defined him best were honesty and loyalty. Phil never left anyone behind and was always someone you could count on.”

He added: “He died a hero. But not just a hero.”

He said his best friend had lived life ‘swift and bold’.

The Rev Andrew Sinclair, vicar of St Michael’s and All Angels Church in Verwood, and Army padre the Rev Tracey Bateson conducted the service as a celebration of his life.

A private family cremation at Poole Crematorium followed the funeral service.