Club united in silent tribute

More than 200 people stood for a minute’s silence before Southwell Rugby Club’s home fixtures on Saturday in memory of a former club member killed in Afghanistan.

Senior Aircraftman Gary Thompson (51) was serving with the Royal Air Force Reserves when he was killed by a roadside bomb on April 13.

Mr Thompson, a former third XV captain at the club, is the oldest Serviceman to be killed in either the Afghanistan or Iraq conflicts.

He was married with five daughters and lived in Sherwood.

During the impeccably observed silence Southwell’s first and third XV teams linked arms with the opposition.

The 2nd XV game at Amber Valley RFC kicked off early so the Southwell players could return to take part in the tribute to Mr Thompson.

Mr Thompson was captain of the third XV for three years, joint captain for four years and a member of the club for eight years.

Many former players returned to the club to pay their respects.

Southwell Rugby Club member Mr Duncan Roberts said: “It shows the level of popularity that Gary held with the presence of so many of his ex-players and teammates.”

After the games several toasts were made and songs sung in Mr Thompson’s honour.

“It was an evening which all who knew Gary well, know he would have thoroughly enjoyed,” said Mr Roberts.