Full military honours for ‘My Daddy My Hero’

The young son of murdered soldier Lee Rigby joined thousands of mourners yesterday in remembering a “gentle soul” and “larger-than-life character”.

In searing heat, the image of two-year-old Jack holding his mother’s hand outside the church as he wore a T-shirt with the tribute “My Daddy My Hero” shone in the poignant service.

The family of Fusilier Rigby were among about 800 people packed inside Bury Parish Church to honour the 25-year-old in a private funeral which was relayed via loudspeakers to large crowds.

The drummer’s comrades in the 2nd Battalion Royal Regiment of Fusiliers (2RRF) were warmly applauded as they arrived at the church, as were Fusilier veterans.

Prime Minister David Cameron and Mayor of London Boris Johnson were also in attendance at the service for Fusilier Rigby, who was killed as he returned to Woolwich barracks in south-east London from the Tower of London on May 22.

He had served in Afghanistan as a machine gunner and was attached to the regimental recruiting team when he was hacked to death in broad daylight in the street.

In his eulogy to Fusilier Rigby, his commanding officer Lieutenant Colonel Jim Taylor spoke of an “extremely popular soldier” who was known as “Riggers” to his friends.

Friend and ex-Fusilier Sean Sheer also gave a eulogy which brought laughter from mourners.

Mr Sheer said he met Fusilier Rigby when he was posted to the Fusiliers in 2008 and found him the “most annoying, campest man I have ever met”, citing his singing and love of boyband Westlife as the reason.

Mr Sheer said his comrade’s young son came “crashing” into his life but Lee “took to fatherhood instantly”.

“Everywhere Lee went, Jack went with him,” he said. “Lee’s time on this earth was tragically cut short” but he was a “loving father and devoted husband”.

Fusilier Rigby’s coffin, draped in the Union flag and with his bearskin on top, was borne out of the church by six pall bearers i and placed in the hearse for his final journey.

His wife Rebecca, 30, mother Lyn, 46, stepfather Ian, 54, and Rebecca’s mother, Susan Metcalfe, 60, watched from the steps, his young son Jack clutching his mother’s hand and looking bewildered as he scanned the crowds outside.

A private committal followed the service attended by close family and friends.