Drummer Dave Harvey's colleagues from the Royal Gloucestershire Berkshire and Wiltshire Regiment bear his coffin during his funeral at Whitworth Road Cemetery Picture Ref: 76967-295THREE rifle volleys rang through the air as the Army saluted a courageous young soldier who died well before his time.

Despite being at the peak of fitness, Drummer Dave Harvey, pictured, died from a heart attack at the age of just 23.

Friends, loved-ones and fellow soldiers paid a tearful farewell to the father-of-one as he was buried with military honours at Whitworth Road Cemetery.

Draped in the Union Jack and displaying his pith helmet and belt, the coffin was carried by members of the Corps of Drums, with whom he served.

Around 300 mourners followed the coffin in a sombre procession before it was lowered in ceremonial fashion.

Buglers played the Last Post and Reveille after the helmet and belt were presented to his family.

Earlier, his life was celebrated at St John's Church, Cavendish Square, not far from where he grew up in Park South. Joining the Army had always been his dream, and he enrolled with the Royal Gloucestershire, Berkshire and Wiltshire Regiment at 16.

A year later he was patrolling the streets of the Kosovan capital Pristina.

His Commanding Officer Nick Welsh MBE said he was a model soldier, dedicated to the Army but also a good friend to many.

"He was a remarkable soldier with a tremendous character," he said.

"He was dutiful and courageous but above anything else he was a good friend to many people. His death is a great shock."

Pvt Michael O'Brien 23, of Downton Road, Penhill, served with him in Kosovo and later in Northern Ireland.

"We were good friends for around seven years," he said.

"He will be badly missed and we will remember him as a good soldier who also had a great sense of humour and was liked by everyone."

Drummer Harvey died earlier this month at Cavalry Barracks in Hounslow, where he lived with his wife Lynsey.

He collapsed as he arrived to rehearse for the Changing of the Guard ceremony at Buckingham Palace.

Tamash Lal