Corby Falklands hero soldier's family pay respects as exhumation date looms

The family of Alex Shaw, a Corby soldier killed in the Falklands War whose remains are to be exhumed from his grave, have gathered to say what could be their final goodbyes.

Susan Fleming was supported by her husband Colin, her children, and their families, Corby Royal British Legion representatives and members of the clergy, as she led the tributes to her brother at the Shire Lodge cemetery.

In 2018, Alex's widow had applied and failed to have her late husband's ashes moved 8,000 miles away to the islands in the South Atlantic where he had lost his life.

Mrs Fleming had successfully stopped the exhumation but her hopes were dashed this year when she was informed that his ashes were to be moved to a military cemetery in Hampshire against her expressed wishes.

Yesterday (Sunday, June 7) at a short service including the Last Post, prayers, a minute's silence followed by a wreath laying ceremony, the 53-year-old mum-of-four spoke to her brother.

She said: "You were ten-years-old when I was born. That must have been a shock. My earliest memories are of playing with you, probably annoying you too. You used to fly me around the room and end up wrestling on the floor. My dad used to say ' Don't hurt wee Dolly'.

"I remember seeing you off at the train station when you left for your marine training. I was only seven and I remember being upset. I didn't want you to go but I was very proud when we went to see your passing out many weeks later.

"I have all the letters you wrote to me over the years. I love to read them to remind me of your cheeky, fun side.

"I will never forget the day we heard you had been killed. Our lives had changed forever.

"I am so sorry for all this, it was never my plan. You rest now with our mum and dad who loved us both with all their heart. Family was everything, something I still firmly believe in.

"It was mum's wish that she be buried with her only son. I am so sorry mum. I have tried. I never wanted it to end this way.

"I know that all three of you are together in heaven with our Lord."

Rev Paul Frost led Alex's family and friends in prayer and after the Last Post and a minute's silence was observed family and friends laid poppy wreaths and remembrance crosses on his grave.

This morning Mrs Fleming will send an online petition to the Ministry of Justice, that has been signed by more than 8,500 people, in a last-ditch attempt to prevent the exhumation that is scheduled to happen in the next two weeks.

Gareth Price, chairman of Corby Royal British Legion branch, said: "My personal view is that 38 years after he was buried what they are doing now is causing distress. Moving him down to Hampshire is upsetting for the family. I personally don't see why they are doing it."

Mrs Fleming has invited the people of Corby to pay their respects to her brother before his ashes are exhumed.

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