FAMILY and friends of hero soldier Pte Tony Rawson gathered to unveil a plaque in his memory at the Royal British Legion in Dagenham this week, writes Karen Moss. Branch President, Ron Murphy and Chairman, Colin Holleley, welcomed his mum, dad, brother, m

FAMILY and friends of hero soldier Pte Tony Rawson gathered to unveil a plaque in his memory at the Royal British Legion in Dagenham this week, writes Karen Moss.

Branch President, Ron Murphy and Chairman, Colin Holleley, welcomed his mum, dad, brother, mayor, Cllr Charles Fairbrass and many young infantrymen from the Royal Anglian Regiment on Monday August 10.

The occasion marked the second anniversary of Tony's death while fighting for his country in the Helmand province of Afghanistan in 2007.

His mum, Ann Williams, of Bushway, Dagenham, said: "It is so nice of the British Legion to agree to this plaque commemorating my son.

"He is missed by his whole family everyday but we are still so very proud of him."

Pte Craig Allan Davitt said: "Tony was the first guy to come up and shake my hand when I joined the Anglians.

"We fought together in Afghanistan; Tony was an excellent soldier and a great friend."

The plaque was unveiled with a picture of Tony beside it, who was just 27 when he died.

Several of the Anglian Regiment wore their uniforms as a tribute to their fallen comrade.

President of the British Legion branch in Rectory Road, Dagenham, Ron Murphy, said: ""It commemorates Tony Rawson and all the other brave men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the war in Afghanistan.

"All way can say is thank you.