End of Afghan mission brings no closure for mother of fallen soldier

Trooper James Munday with his mother Caroline Munday Credit: Family handout

  • Report by ITV News reporter Ben Chapman

Caroline Munday buried her son with a Union flag draped over his coffin six years ago today.

Trooper James Munday served in the Household Cavalry and was one of 453 British troops killed in Afghanistan.

Caroline describes her son as having "the most gorgeous smile" and says there is still an empty place at the dinner table for him.

But she says the transfer of Camp Bastion to Afghan forces and the departure of the last few British soldiers have not brought the closure she expected.

Trooper James Munday is carried to his final resting place

Trooper James Munday died at the age of 21 after a roadside explosion in Helmand Province.

Universally known as 'Magpie', he was quickly singled out as a gifted rider and moved straight into the Household Cavalry Regiment following his basic training.

He died on 15th October 2008 just short of the end of his first tour of duty in Afghanistan.