| Family and friends were joined by Black Watch soldiers and veterans as they said their last farewells to Private McHale at St Patrick’s Church this morning.
Among the mourners were Private McHale’s parents, Betty and Michael, who have two other sons. Private McHale was single.
Of the many floral tributes laid outside the church, one read, “What can I say — you’re Peter Pan, the boy who never grew up and so can never die, as you will live in us forever. Many happy thoughts, your brother.”
Private McHale (27) was at the wheel of a Warrior armoured fighting vehicle when it overturned in the desert south of Baghdad on October 29. He was on his second tour of duty, having served with the regiment during combat last year.
His death shook the community, many of whom turned out in the cold autumn morning to pay their last respects. Among those at the church were Margaret Dean, the Lord Lieutenant of Fife; Provost John Simpson, the convener of Fife Council, and Ernie McPherson, chairman of the local community council.
The Black Watch Regiment Colonel Sir Alistair Irwin was also at the service, which was conducted by Father Stuart Gray.
Mr McHale was awarded the NATO medal for serving in Kosovo and the Telic One medal for his contribution to the current operation in Iraq.
The Commanding Officer of The Black Watch, Lieutenant Colonel James Cowan, said, “Private McHale was a great character. He had served for five years with The Black Watch and had been in Kosovo, and in Iraq the first time around. He had always been a friend of many; we miss him deeply.”
Lone Piper Sergeant Alistair Duthie, of The Black Watch, played the Soldiers Return inside the church. |
