THE Winchester soldier killed defusing a roadside bomb in Afghanistan will be buried with full military honours today.
Staff Sgt Olaf Schmid, 30, died in the blast in Helmand province on October 31. Serving with the Royal Logistics Corps, since June he had made safe 64 improvised explosive devices including 31 in one operation.
The day of his death was due to have been his last operational day before returning on leave to his home in Harestock.
His funeral will take place in Truro Cathedral in Cornwall, where he was head chorister as a schoolboy.
His widow, Christina, 34, said she last spoke to her husband two days before his death.
She said he had spoken of his exhaustion after the tour.
She said he told her: “I need you to come and get me. I’ve only had a couple of hours’ sleep in four days. I’m so weary and homesick and I just want you, I need you.”
The service starts at 11am. A small private family service of committal will take place afterwards. It has been suggested that Staff Sgt Schmid should be honoured with a George Medal or a Distinguished Service Order.
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