Friends and footballers pay tribute to Conrad

His coffin, along with those of four others who were also killed in action, passed through Wootton Bassett where hundreds of people lined the streets in silence to pay their respects to the fallen soldiers. Many of the mourners wiped away tears and threw roses.

At Racing Club Warwick on Saturday, footballers held a one-minute silence in his memory.

Pte Lewis, of 4th Battalion The Parachute Regiment, was killed in a firefight while on patrol in Helmand Province, Afghanistan, on Wednesday February 9.

In his younger years the 22-year-old swam for Leamington Spa Swimming Club and also played in Racing Club Warwick’s youth team.

The tribute was given before kick-off in the Racers’ match against Bolehall Swifts at Townsend Meadow on Saturday.

In a message on the cover of the match programme Bob Dhillon, the club’s chairman, said: “I’m proud to be British, where at least I know I’m free, and I won’t forget the men who died, who gave that right to me.”

Pte Lewis was a former pupil at Claverdon Primary School.

Cheryl Pilling, a former deputy head at the school, said: “He was a member of the rounder’s team and swimming squad and captain of the football team, leading them to many victories.

“He was also an exceptional athlete, representing the school and the area in the high jump and 100 metres.

“He was the lynchpin in the successful boys’ relay team.

“His qualities of leadership and sportsmanship shone through in all of these sports - qualities that obviously made him an excellent soldier.”

Pte Lewis was one of five British soldiers killed in Afghanistan in a week.

His comrade Pte Lewis Hendry of 3rd Battalion, The Parachute Regiment, was shot and killed in the same firefight.

The bodies of the fallen soldiers were flown into RAF Lyneham in Wiltshire before services for the bereaved families were held last week.

The cortege passed through Wootton Bassett.

Pte Lewis’s father Tony said his son was an “outstanding young man” who “made an impact with just about everybody he connected with”.

He added: “I think people need to realise what these guys are actually doing out there.

“They all do it voluntarily but I’d ask you to consider what it must be like facing fear every day, fearlessly and with great courage.”

David Welch knew Pte Lewis from the days when the soldier played football for Central Ajax with his son.

Mr Welch said: “I can honestly say he was the funniest, cheekiest but also the most polite lad I have ever met, there was never a dull moment when he was around. “I’m not surprised he opted for a career in the military as he was always so full of energy and a fine sportsman. “I am proud to have known him and his family.

“Most of all I am proud to say Conrad was my friend.”