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Soldier's sacrifice recognised with special service 50 years after his death

Major Paul Wright was killed in action on February 6, 1973 - he has been described as 'the most decorated sapper since World War Two' <i>(Image: Newsquest)</i>
Major Paul Wright was killed in action on February 6, 1973 - he has been described as 'the most decorated sapper since World War Two' (Image: Newsquest)

A SPECIAL service of dedication was held in honour of a fallen soldier, who died 50 years ago.

Major Paul Wright was only 27 years old when he was killed in action when he served in Oman.

He was killed on February 6, 1973 - this week marks the 50th anniversary of his death.

Warrington Guardian: Major Wright was killed 50 years ago, in Oman
Warrington Guardian: Major Wright was killed 50 years ago, in Oman

Major Wright was killed 50 years ago, in Oman (Image: SFROH)

Major Wright was formerly a Royal Engineer, but later joined the SAS - he was seconded to the Sultan of Oman's armed forces and fought in the Dhofar War, which led to his untimely death.

He was posthumously awarded the Sultan's Gallantry Medal for his sacrifice, the highest military honour Oman can offer.

To mark the 50th anniversary of Major Wright's death, a memorial service was held at his graveside in Knutsford on Monday, February 6, followed by another service at the barracks in Warrington.

The service in Warrington was a special dedication of Major Wright's sword to Peninsula Barracks, on O'Leary Street, in Orford - the barracks have been part of the community since they were built as Orford Barracks in 1878.

Warrington Guardian: The barracks were packed with family friends and veterans paying their respects to Major Wright
Warrington Guardian: The barracks were packed with family friends and veterans paying their respects to Major Wright

The barracks were packed with family friends and veterans paying their respects to Major Wright (Image: Newsquest)

Major Wright's sword was recently gifted to the 75 Engineer Regiment, and was used as part of the proclamation of King Charles III following the death of the Queen, in September.

Attending the memorial service at the graveside were the deputy Lord Lieutenant of Cheshire, the Mayor of Warrington and members of 75 Engineer Regiment - as well as representatives of the Royal Engineer Association and Special Forces Association.

One captain present at the dedication service said that Major Wright 'was the most decorated sapper since World War Two.'

Warrington Guardian: Major Wright was just 27 when he was killed in action
Warrington Guardian: Major Wright was just 27 when he was killed in action

Major Wright was just 27 when he was killed in action (Image: SFROH)

According to the Special Forces Roll of Honour, Major Wright was originally buried at Bait el Falaj Christian Cemetery, Muscat, in northern Oman, before he was laid to rest in St Mary's churchyard, in Knutsford.

Representatives from the 75 Engineer Regiments confirmed that Major Wright's sword would not lie dormant in its new ceremonial case - it would continue to be used in ceremonies such as the proclamation of the King.

Major Wright was born on April 20, 1945, and was killed in action while serving in Oman on February 6, 1973.

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