A VOLLEY of fire honoured the flag-draped coffin of Fijian Private Ratu Silibaravi at a memorial service in Ambrosden yesterday.

More than 400 mourners packed into St Mary’s Church to celebrate the life of the Bicester-based 23 Pioneer Regiment Royal Logistics Corps soldier, who was killed in indirect fire in the Nahr-e Saraj district of Helmand province on May 4 alongside Corporal Andrew Roberts.

As the 32-year-old’s body was carried into the church, a choir drawn from the Fijian community sang the Fijian hymn There’s A Land That Is Fairer Than Home.

The congregation heard the poem A Pioneer Farewell written by Pte Dean Turner, a serving comrade of the dead soldier.

Paying tribute to the man his comrades known as “Sili” Warrant Officer Kwan Wah Cheung said: “He was always on time, always fit, always hard-working. He was one of the very best I’ve ever known.”

Commanding officer of the 23 Pioneer Regiment, Lt Col Dom Fletcher, said: “He was fit, brave and utterly professional.

“It was no surprise he volunteered for the difficult and high-risk job in advanced search.”

The soldier, who joined the Army in 2002, was killed during his third tour of duty in Afghanistan and had previously completed two tours of duty in Iraq.

He was also part of an elite team guarding the royal family during ceremonial engagements at Windsor Castle four years ago.

Lt Col Fletcher praised Pte Silibaravi’s skill as a sportsman and said: “One of his true passions was rugby.

“He was strong, fast, great ball handling skills. He was a natural in the rugby team.

“He was a big talent with a big heart and his death leaves a big hole in our regimental family.”

His other passions were Sunday roasts and singing with the Fijian community.

As the coffin of Pte Silibaravi was carried by his comrades from the church, a 12 gun volley of fire was sounded by others in his regiment.

The funeral of 32-year-old father-of-three Corporal Andrew Roberts will be held in Middlesbrough on Thursday.

Pte Silibaravi’s body will now be flown back to Fiji, where his funeral will be held.