An army dog handler killed in Afghanistan was hailed as a "hero" and "the best brother you could ask for" as hundreds of mourners gathered for his funeral yesterday.
Lance Corporal Liam Tasker, 26, of the Royal Army Veterinary Corps, was shot dead on March 1 while on patrol with his springer spaniel, Theo.
The sniffer dog, described as a "true friend" to the soldier, died hours later after suffering a seizure, with L/Cpl Tasker's family believing he died from a broken heart.
L/Cpl Tasker was based at 104 Military Working Dog Unit at St George's Barracks, in North Luffenham, Rutland.
Earlier this month, L/Cpl Tasker was repatriated at RAF Lyneham, in Wiltshire, with Theo's ashes returned to British soil in the same aircraft as his handler.
Yesterday, several hundred people packed into Tayport Parish Church, Fife, and lined the streets outside to pay their respects to the arms explosive search (AES) handler from Kirkcaldy.
During the funeral, L/Cpl Tasker's tearful brother, Ian, recalled fond memories of the soldier.
He told mourners: "Liam was the best brother, son, grandson and, indeed, friend you could ask for."
Lieutenant Colonel David Thorpe, commanding officer of the 1st Military Working Dog Regiment, described L/Cpl Tasker as a "natural dog man" who displayed an uncanny empathy with the animals during his training.
He said: "It was obvious to all who encountered him that he would be a rising star in the veterinary corps. It is clear that the pride he took in his job came from the love he had for the dogs he worked with."
Lt Col Thorpe also spoke of the dog handler's love for his family and friends and described him as a "brave, loyal and strong" soldier. He told mourners: "He was able to utilise all his skills and lead from the front as an example to us all.
"He saved the lives of his friends and colleagues on numerous occasions. He was a hero. He knew that he could be and he knew that he was, but he would never tell you himself."
L/Cpl Tasker joined the army in 2001 as a vehicle mechanic in the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers. His passion for dogs led to a transfer to the Royal Army Veterinary Corps six years later.
Lt Col Thorpe said: "L/Cpl Tasker was in control of an asset that, when trained and honed and used properly, could literally save lives.
"For every enemy bomb and bullet and rifle that is found and then made safe, there is one less bomb, bullet and rifle in enemy hands which can be used to harm not only our own soldiers, but also the ordinary and innocent Afghan people as well.
"L/Cpl Tasker could train and hone and use the military working dog asset very effectively indeed because for him, Theo, his dog, wasn't just a military asset. Theo was a true friend."
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