Soldiers' memorial bench unveiled in Coventry

A memorial bench has been unveiled in Coventry to honour three soldiers who were killed in Afghanistan.

The bench at Canley Crematorium is a tribute to L/Cpl James Fullarton, 24, Fusilier Shaun Bush, also 24, and 20-year-old Sapper Guy Mellors.

The families of the soldiers, all from Coventry, attended a service at the site for the unveiling, on Tuesday.

L/Cpl Fullarton's father Peter said: "It is a fantastic tribute from the people of Coventry and Warwickshire."

He added: "It is something that we will relish for the rest of our lives, and for our future family to come and sit there and think about the happy days."

Memorial garden

L/Cpl Fullarton died on 16 August last year while on patrol near Sangin in Helmand Province.

Fusilier Bush was injured while trying to rescue a comrade during a foot patrol in the Sangin district, and died at Selly Oak Hospital in Birmingham on 25 August.

Sapper Mellors, a bomb disposal expert, was killed on 15 February this year, while clearing bombs in north east Sangin.

The families of the three men helped to design the tribute bench, which is located in the memorial garden of the crematorium.

The soldiers all had military funerals at Coventry Cathedral.

Will try and get some photographs of this later in the week. At least it's something to remember these brave young men. I think the war in Afghanistan is pretty futile but am 100% behind our armed forces. Would love to see Bob Ainsworth on the front line in Helmand Province.

Peter, a good idea re photos.
I would like to see the so called MP (Ainsworth) in the front line and get the true facts what is going on with our boys but maybe, just maybe, he will disappear from politics within the next 48 hours but doubt if he has got the guts to go to Afghanistan as a non entity

What a lovely gesture.

Look forward to seeing the pics Peter.

A very fitting tribute Peter. Thanks for posting it.

Peter - many thanks for the tribute to these brave lads.
Will be in Coventry this w/end and the lads in L'Pool have asked me to place a floral tribute to the lads on the memorial bench and it is goes without saying, it will be done by me.

Thanks for that Peter.

Such a fitting tribute - it was very moving. Thanks for posting Peter.

Peter - many thanks for the tribute to these brave lads.
Will be in Coventry this w/end and the lads in L'Pool have asked me to place a floral tribute to the lads on the memorial bench and it is goes without saying, it will be done by me.

Nice one Stevie, and thanks to all of you for the "thumbs up" to the video. It's a nice little spot and will hopefully provide some comfort for their families and friends.

Other than for cremations it was actually the first time I've ever looked round the grounds and memorial garden up there. It's obviously sad - especially when I came across the gravestone of a former school friend - but all in all it's well maintained and there are some lovely flowers, trees and shrubbery.