20100328
SABC

Carlo Apolis, the South African national in the British army who was killed in Afghanistan earlier this month, was laid to rest in Malmesbury this weekend. The rifleman was given a semi military funeral by the British Army and a special message from the Queen, in which she praised Apolis's bravery, was also already read at the funeral.

The Queen praised Apolis's bravery and that he sacrificed his life for the country. A tribute was also paid by Secretary of State for Defence Bob Ainsworth who said he was very sorry to learn of his death. A bravery medal from the Queen was presented to his family.

Rifleman Carlo Apolis was a South African who moved to the United Kingdom in 2004, and later became a British citizen. The 28-year old worked in a hotel before joining the Army in 2007. Apolis was described as a big brother figure by fellow soldiers. He was killed by a gunshot wound resulting from small arms fire in Helmand province.

Members of the British Army and Representatives of the South African army and navy were also in attendance. Close on 300 British soldiers have died in Afghanistan since the start of the war against terrorism.