Hundreds of mourners expected to attend Runcorn soldier's funeral (From Runcorn and Widnes World)

Runcorn soldier who died in Afghanistan is to be laid to rest

7:10am Thursday 16th February 2012 in News By Barbara Jordan

THE funeral of Runcorn soldier Signaller Ian Sartorius-Jones will be held today at 1pm, at St Michael’s Church, Greenway Road.

The 21-year-old, who died in Afghanistan, was married with an eight-month-old son.

He was killed from a gunshot wound at a Nato patrol base in the Nahr-e Saraj district of Helmand Province on Tuesday, January 24.Signaller Sartorius-Jones enlisted in the Royal Corps of Signals in 2007 and was responsible for communications links at his base.

His family said he would “always be missed”.

In a statement, they paid tribute saying:”Ian was a lovable character, a devoted father to Dylan, husband to Kellyanne, a wonderful son to Robert and Amanda and brother to Alan.”

Major Stu Whittley, Officer Commanding 20th Armoured Brigade HQ and 200 Signal Squadron, said: “Signaller Sartorius-Jones was a gregarious and highly capable soldier.

“One of the longest serving members and biggest characters in the squadron, he had accured a vast amount of experience in his short career.

“It is a privilege to have served with him and we have lost a true friend.”

Army colleagues are expected to join the Mayor of Halton, civic dignitaries, relatives and friends to pay their respects.