Repatriation of fallen servicemen

Mourners pay their respect as the bodies of Sergeant Luke Taylor, Lance Corporal Michael Foley and Captain Rupert Bowers are repatriated. . Credit: Steve Parsons/PA Wire

The families and friends of three British servicemen killed in Afghanistan were joined by hundreds of people in a poignant tribute to their memory as their bodies were repatriated to the UK today.

The servicemen have all been described as "devoted" to their families, with Capt Bowers becoming a father just last month.

Private services for the men's grief-stricken relatives were held to honour the comrades before the cortege left the base on its way to John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford.

The Repatriation of Royal Marine Sergeant Luke Taylor at RAF Brize Norton Credit: gt Russ Nolan RLC/MoD/Crown/ PA Wire

33-year-old Royal Marine Sergeant Luke Taylor was killed on Monday at the entrance to the UK headquarters in Helmand Province along with Lance Corporal Michael Foley.

He leaves behind his wife Nicola and their son Roan.

It is understood that Sgt Taylor worked in intelligence and had arrived in Afghanistan only four weeks before his death.

Repatriation of Captain Rupert William Michael Bowers of the 2nd Battalion The Mercian Regiment at RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire. Credit: Sgt Russ Nolan RLC/MoD/Crown/PA Wire

24-year-old Captain Rupert Bowers of 2nd Battalion The Mercian Regiment was killed in a roadside bomb blast on March 21st.

He leaves behind his wife Victoria, and their newborn son Hugo. His family said:

Repatriation of Lance Corporal Michael Foley of the Adjutant General's Corps at RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire. Credit: Sgt Russ Nolan RLC/MoD/Crown Copyright/PA Wire

25-year-old Lance Corporal Michael Foley, of the Adjutant General's Corps, was killed at the entrance to the UK headquarters in Helmand province on Monday, along with Sgt Taylor.

He leaves behind his wife Sophie and their three sons Calum, Warren and Jake. His family said:

Family members placed their hands against the glass of the hearses as they said goodbye to their loved ones.

Silence was maintained after the cortege came to a halt, only broken by the sound of crying, but as the hearses pulled away a spontaneous applause for the soldiers' sacrifice broke out.

Mourners place flowers on the convoy of hearses in Carterton today. Credit: Steve Parsons/PA Wire

Paul Davies was in Carterton earlier today.