| Location | Easingwold |
| Age | 23 years |
| Cause of Death | In the Line of Duty |
| Date of Birth | 15/06/1986 |
| Date of Death | 13/08/2009 |
| Visitors | 1,357 since 18/08/2009 |
| Creator |
Lance Bombardier Matthew Hatton died when he was caught in an improvised explosive device blast whilst on foot patrol as part of Op GHARTSE KERS 4, providing security for a pre-election shura in the Sangin area of Helmand province, Afghanistan.
He had suffered injury in an initial blast whilst trying to clear an extraction route to the helicopter landing site and was then caught in a second blast in which he was fatally wounded.
Matthew, from Easingwold, North Yorkshire, died alongside Capt Mark Hale and Rifleman Daniel Wild.
His parents, Jill and Philip, said that He passionately enjoyed his job.
He Will Be Sadly missed by family and friends.
T'was The Night Before Christmas, He Lived All Alone
In A One Bedroom House Made Of Plaster And Stone
I Had Come Down The Chimney With Presents To Give
And To See Just Who, In This Small Home Did Live
I Looked All About, A Strange Sight I Did See -
No Tinsel No Presents, Not Even A Tree.
No Stocking By The Mantle Just Boots Filled With Sand
On The Wall Hung Pictures Of A Far Distant Land
With Medals And Badges, Awards Of All Kinds.
Then A Sober Thought Came Into My Mind
For This House Was Different, It Was Dark And Dreary,
T'was The Home Of A Soldier, Once I Could See Clearly
The Soldier Lay Sleeping, Silent, Alone
Curled Up On The Floor In This One Bedroom Home
The Face Was So Gentle, The Room In Disorder
Not How I Pictured A Lone Soldier..
Was This The Hero Of Whom I'd Just Read,
Curled Up On A Poncho, The Floor For A Bed
I Realised The Families That I Saw This Night
Owed Their Lives To These Soldiers, Who Were Willing To Fight
And Soon Round The World The Children Would Play
And Grownups Would Celebrate A Bright Christmas Day
They All Enjoy Freedom Each Month Of The Year
Because Of The Soldiers, Like The One Lying Here.
I Couldn't Help But Wonder, How Many Alone,
On A Cold Christmas Eve In A Land Far From Home?
The Very Thought Brought A Tear To My Eye
I Dropped To My Knees And Started To Cry
The Soldier Awakened, I Heard A Rough Voice
"Santa Don't Cry, This Life Is My Choice.
I Fight For Freedom, I Don't Ask For More
My Life Is My God, My Country, My Corps"
The Soldier Rolled Over And Drifted To Sleep.
I Couldn't Control It, I Continued To Weep.
I Kept Watch For Hours, So Silent And Still
And We Both Sat And Shivered From The Cold Nights Chill.
I Didn't Want To Leave, On That Cold Dark Night,
This Guardian Of Honour, So Willing To Fight...
Then The Soldier Rolled Over With A Voice Soft And Pure
Whispered "carry On Santa, Christmas Day Is Secure"
One Look At My Watch And I Knew He Was Right
"Merry Christmas My Friend - And To All A Good Night!"
This Poem Was Written By A British Peace Keeping Soldier
Stationed Overseas.
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His life earnest, his actions kind,
A willing hand, an active mind,
Anxious to please, loath to offend,
A loving son and faithful friend.
My thought are with your family and friends
You gave your life for many people.
The word brave doesn't seem to do this justice.
Rest In Peace to Matthew and all of those who have fallen in the line of duty.
Britain's Finest
Thoughts are with your loved ones at this heartbreaking time.
Rest well brave lad we will not forget your sacrifice xx.
a soldier's mum.
hero
rest in peace and love hero with all your comrades in gods care .rememberd with pride and honor always xxxxxxxxxxxxx
SO BRAVE
Thank You For Giving Us Our Freedom,To All The Soldiers Who Have Been Taken Away May You All Rest In Peace xx
Go rest now precious one,
Your life in eternity has just begun.
Now you can walk, your legs are brand
new.
All of heaven is now in your view.
Look all around,it's all in your sight,
There will never be another dark night.
Flowers and jewels, the street of pure gold,and all of the things that have been told.
I can just imagine the smile on your face as you walk all around in that beautiful place.
Greeting our loved ones as you walk along,while singing heaven's most beautiful song.
This is so very hard,but it will all be okay,it isn't goodbye,we'll see you one day.
We love you and we'll miss you and at times it will be tough,but as with everything,God's grace will be enough.
Ex Soldier (REME)
My heartfelt condolences to the family and friends. Even though I am now in Civvy street each death of a fellow member of the forces still hurts.
RIP Matthew and many thanks for your sacrifice. I am certain it will not, in the end, be all in vain.
regards
Graeme Jones
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