A fallen Scots soldier was honoured yesterday by school pupils and his comrades – 15 years after he was killed by a bomb in Iraq.
Fusilier Gordon Gentle was just 19 when he died after a device planted by the side of a road in Basra was detonated as his Land Rover passed.
School pupils joined Gordon’s mum Rose and his forces pals at the remembrance event to celebrate his life.
The poignant ceremony was held at Crookston Primary School, Glasgow, where the soldier was once a pupil on the 15th anniversary of his death.
Gordon’s mum Rose, 55, paid tribute to her son who she said “loved the army”. She said: “Today is a day we will always remember. From the bottom of my heart and my family’s, thank you.
"When I look at the picture of him in his uniform after his passing out parade, it brings a tear to my eye. I think, ‘That’s my boy’.
“He did us so proud.”
Rose added: “Today was extremely emotional. We were made to feel so welcome. The children were fantastic and we are so overwhelmed by it all.
“Now Gordon’s name will never be forgotten and he will always be remembered.”
The event was hosted by Forces charity Ancre Somme Association Scotland who presented the school with a memorial bench dedicated to Gordon with the words, “Lest We Forget.”
ASA Scotland Secretary Tommy Davidson described Gordon as a “hero.” He added: “Our hope is that by keeping Gordon’s memory alive, we can leave a legacy at the school, so that every generation will never forget this brave young lad.”
During the service, 2 SCOTS Captain Reverend Stewart Young also paid tribute to Gordon’s sacrifice.
He said: “Today we dedicate this bench to Fusilier Gordon Gentle so succeeding children like you and coming will remember and recognise it’s here in his memory and dedication to him.”
Primary seven pupil Peter MacKay gave a reading at the service, attended by Gordon’s sisters Maxine, 29, and Pamela, 35, and his grandmother Pauline.
