BARNSLEY soldier Dale Harris will be laid to rest surrounded by his family and friends - days after 25th birthday.
The loyal son, loving husband and devoted dad was killed in a freak road accident in Northern Ireland.
Dale, 24, a rifleman in the 2nd Battalion The Rifles and an army friend, both died last Friday night when a tractor collided with the car they were travelling in.
The weekend before he had been home on leave in Worsbrough Bridge with his wife Carly, two daughters and his parents and brothers and sisters.
A funeral service with full military honours will be held on August 21 at 1pm at St Thomas's Church, Worsbrough Dale, followed by a reception at the Boatman's Rest.
A statement issued on behalf of the commanding officer, officers and soldiers of the battalion paid tribute to Dale.
"Dale was a much liked, professional and hugely competent soldier who had a fantastic future ahead of him. The whole battalion is deeply saddened by his loss and our heartfelt condolences go to his family and friends at this most difficult time."
** The full story, including interviews with Dale's family, appear in the Barnsley Chronicle dated, August 8. **
