Jack

http://www.stroudnewsandjournal.co.uk/news/15147977.Hundreds_gather_at_funeral_service_for_beloved_Stroud_gunner_Jack_Mitchell/?ref=mr&lp=1

A month ago, a young soldier, aged 24, came back to Stroud on leave. He went out to a nightclub in town. There was a brawl, in which he was involved, and was actually killed.

Shame hangs over Stroud. The nightclub has been closed. Bouquets of now-decaying flowers  line up in ranks outside the entrance. Stroud is a small place, where everyone knows everyone.  Many people were familiar either with the victim or his assailant.

The police were out early in our street, trying to ensure there were parking places for the mourners. The cemetery has no car park of its own, and sometimes our street is used during the day, being very close by.

At 2pm, just as a massage client turned up unexpectedly,  a file of dignitaries and marching soldiers came down the path, breasts adorned with medals, and made their way to their cars. I realised at last what was going on, and why the police presence was so evident.

Later, I went up to find the grave, to pay my own quiet respects. To serve one' s country overseas, and then to be killed on a night out in Stroud? It makes no sense. My thoughts are with Jack's family.