Fus Jonathan Burgess 1R.Welsh - KIA 7th April 2010

[Davies GW]

I have watched the news with close attention since 1 Royal Welsh have been posted to Afghanistan dreading the inevitable bad news. It came on my birthday, while I was celebrating yet another milestone in my safe little life a soldier from my old regiment was facing the end of his. My admiration for those who do this difficult job knows no bounds. I return to my vigil hoping and praying that I won't hear anymore bad news.I extend my heartfelt condolences to Jonathans family. I hope that in this difficult time they know that the regiment as a family feels their grief and is grieving with them.

[wally15]

i send my sympathy to the family, friends, and colleagues of Fus jonathan burgess god bless and rest in peace good buddy. wally 15

[keith may]

Deepest sympathy and condolences to Jonathan's family, loved ones and all his comrades, FROM ALL RWFCA CARDIFF BRANCH R.I.P.

[TRAV 24]

Deepest Sympathies and Condolencies to Jonathans Family,Friends and Comrades on this Very Sad occasion R.I.P Brave Welsh Warrior

[Oggy Hewitt1]

At 1405 hrs this afternoon I was informed by RHQ of the repatriation details of Fusilier Jonathan Burgess who was KIA in Afghanistan on Wednesday 7th of April.
Jonathan will be repatriated into the UK at approximately 10am on 15th April and will pass through Wootton Bassett at a 12 mid-day.
On behalf of the Aberystwyth Branch RWFCA, I would wish to extend sincere condolences to Kelly, his partner and their unborn child. Also our heartfelt sympathies to his family, friends and fellow fusiliers who must all be so shocked and upset at losing a dear loved one and much missed colleague and friend.

Paul Hinge
Hon. Secretary
Aberystwyth Branch RWFCA

Paul, an amendment to the timings above the Repat will now take place at 1300hrs local. This will delay the onward movement through Wootton Bassett.

Regards

Al Hewitt

[Ianto 10]

On behalf of Shrewsbury Branch RWFCA I would like to convey our sincere condolences to Jonanthan family and friends on their sad loss. RIP Jonathan our thoughts are with you and your family.

[Bob Bacon]

Posted on behalf of Richard Donovan

Bridgend, Swansea and Newport, attended Wootton Bassett on the day of Jonathan's repatriation. There was a good sprinkling of RWFCA comrades present, plus many former colonels of the RWF. I counted 23 various Branch Standards in place.

Before we left Bridgend we had to make a few hurried military phone calls regarding the Icelandic ash cloud including one to RHQ Wrexham. The information we received assured us that the repatriation would take place as scheduled, so we set off as arranged.

On arrival at least two public houses were providing hot coffee and tea, plus several plates of sandwiches and there was never a question of the many visitors having to pay for this service, as a matter of decency a plastic box was on the tables to help contribute to the help 4 soldiers appeal. One has to see the good will and the proud spirit of the Lord Mayor and his entourage as well as the general population of Wootton Bassett to appreciate the sense of loss we all felt on this day.

We did hear that the timings had been changed but in the event the timings were as normal. The drill is that the plane lands at 1205hrs then time is allowed for the family and relatives to attend the RAF Chapel of Rest to pay homage to their family member. Then at 14-30 hours all the Church bells start to toll and all traffic is stopped in both directions through WB.

Then the format is as we all see it on the main TV channels. Our branch took about 30 photos, which I hope to put on the forum without delay.

Regards jungle 1810

[Dai 55]

I would also like to say thank you to the people of Wotton Bassett they were very careing and kind,i bumped into many old faces,as Jungle 10 says food and drinks were layed on in the Cross keys inn and all free of charge very kind indeed.I spoke to people who had travelled down from Barnsley,and yet again the bikers were there in force,really was great to see so many people from different backgrounds supporting our troops.At 13:45hrs the town bells started ringing,and Jonathan passed through the high street breifly stopping for his family to lay some flowers,a very emotional moment,i was also very proud to have saluted this very brave Welsh Warrior,members of the 1st and 2nd Battalion who have lost there lives we will never forget you.
Jonathan you are now home were you belong with your familty.rest in peace son and god bless.

Dai 55