The funerals were taking place of two West Yorkshire soldiers killed in the Gulf war.

Sergeant Steven Roberts, of Shipley, was the first soldier to be killed in action in Iraq, while Lance Corporal Shaun Brierley, of Batley, died on duty in Kuwait from head injuries after a Land Rover crash.

Sgt Roberts, 33, a Desert Rats tank commander with the 2nd Tank Regiment, was shot through the chest during a riot in Al Zubayr, near Basra, just three days after the conflict began. An Army inquiry is under way into Sgt Roberts' death to establish if the soldier's flak jacket was fitted with ceramic plates.

Originally from Cornwall, Sgt Roberts lived with his wife Samantha in Shipley before he was deployed to the Gulf. His funeral was taking place at St Wilfrid's Church in Harrogate, not far from the Army Foundation College where he was an instructor.

Father-of-one L/Cpl Brierley, 29, was a member of 212 Signal Squadron which provides communications for HQ 1 (UK) Armoured Division. He was a Radio Systems Operator for nine years. His funeral was taking place at All Saints Church, Batley.

Sgt Roberts' widow, Samantha, 33, said she was deeply moved by all the support she has received from the community.

"I have been inundated by phone calls from people who knew him who have been shocked and sorry to hear the news," she said.

"Steve was an outgoing and sociable man who was loved by all who met him."

Samantha said she knew Steve died fighting for what he believed to be right.

"Steve's whole future lay within the army," she said.

"It was his life and he was very proud of his job. He was adamant that he was doing the right thing. He said he was doing it for the people back home and the Iraqi people."

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