The town of Wootton Bassett paid its respects yesterday as the body of a Cleckheaton soldier who died while on UN peacekeeping duties in Cyprus was repatriated.

Warrant Officer Class 2 Graham Bean died on Tuesday, May 3 after being taken ill while on patrol.

The 54-year-old soldier, who served with the 73 Engineer Regiment Volunteers, was working with the United Nations peacekeeping force in Cyprus as a VIP visit co-ordinator.

The body of WO2 Bean was flown into RAF Lyneham in Wiltshire and after a private ceremony for his family, the soldier’s coffin was driven through Wootton Bassett.

As has become tradition, local people and Royal British Legion members joined his family and friends to line the high street in tribute.

WO2 Bean joined the Territorial Army in May 1975 and served on operations in Bosnia and Iraq prior to deploying to Cyprus. At the time of his death WO2 Bean was attached to 3 Royal Anglian Group.

He leaves his wife, Michele, and three children David, 28, Hazel, 26, and Nicola, 17. His son is preparing to serve with the Army in Afghanistan.

His family said: “It has been such a shock to lose a loving father and husband who brought so much laughter and so many smiles to all who knew him. We will miss you Dad.”

The mission in Cyprus was established in 1964 to prevent fighting between the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot communities on the island. British troops patrol the buffer zone or “green line” separating the north and south of the island.

WO2 Bean, who had been on a mountain bike when he collapsed, was taken to Nicosia where he was pronounced dead. The cause was a suspected heart attack.

Captain Matt Lindow, spokesman for the UK UNFICYP contingent, said: “His commitment and selfless dedication to the Territorial Army will not be forgotten. He will be dearly remembered by all who have had the privilege to serve with him. We offer heartfelt condolences to his family and friends. We will remember him.”

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