IT will be an emotional day in Meltham on Tuesday.

For September 15 marks the third anniversary of the killing of teenage soldier Tom Wroe in Afghanistan.

Pte Wroe, who was just 18, and his comrade Sgt Gareth Thursby, were shot dead in Afghanistan.

The past three years have been hard for his parents, former soldier Mick, his wife Claire, and their teenage daughter Demi, now 17.

But the family have repeatedly spoken out in public to honour their hero son and have been moved by the support from the whole of Meltham, from people in Yorkshire and from the Army.

Hero soldier Tom Wroe and his girlfriend, Jess Nunns
Hero soldier Tom Wroe and his girlfriend, Jess Nunns

One of the most difficult times came in June when the family were invited to the National Arboretum in Staffordshire to see the unveiling of a memorial to all the Afghan conflict victims.

Prince Harry led the dedication and the Wroe family were introduced to Prime Minister, David Cameron, who chatted with them.

“That was hard,” said Claire, a care worker. “It was very moving to see all the names of those who have fallen engraved on the plaques.

“We have been really moved by all the support we have had since it happened and especially by the people of Meltham. I don’t think I could have got through it all without them, and they are still supporting us now.

“Every pub in Meltham has a framed photo of Tom behind the bar. He’s there all the time.”

Young soldier Tom Wroe on exercise
Young soldier Tom Wroe on exercise

Claire still recalls the moment she and Mick heard the terrible news. They were at home about to enjoy a Sunday tea when there was a knock on the door.

“I had popped upstairs to put the washing away and Mick answered the door. I looked out and saw a big black car and two Army officers.

“It was only later I learned that two means someone has died, one means someone has been injured.

“At the back of our minds you always expect the worst, especially when Tom flew out to Afghanistan. You never think, though, that it could happen to your child.

“He tried to ring us as often as he could, saving up his minutes to have a proper chat, and the last time I spoke to him was on the Thursday. He was really looking forward to some leave and would have been home within two or three weeks.

“After the news broke, we never intended to be in the public domain so much, it just happened. I remember drawing back the curtains and seeing all the TV vans in the street.

Second anniversary of the death of soldier Tom Wroe.
Tom's grave and military headstone in Helme churchyard.
Second anniversary of the death of soldier Tom Wroe. Tom's grave and military headstone in Helme churchyard.

“But it has been good to meet all the others in similar situations. The Yorkshire Regiment have a beautiful memorial in Warminster and we are always welcome to go there.

“One of the hardest things was attending the service when the Regiment came back but we wanted to be there. We would have been there if Tom had been with them and we wanted to be there for his pals.

“The lads who served with him are now good friends and we meet up regularly.”

The Meltham community has turned to fundraising in Tom’s memory and money is still pouring in. Claire and Mick hope to support Meltham Parish Church, which is where Tom’s funeral was held.

On Tuesday, they and Demi will be spending the day quietly and plan to visit Tom’s grave at Helme Church.

Claire said: “I’m also good friends with Gareth Thursby’s mum, Caroline, and know they too will be remembering.

Sergeant Gareth Thursby and Private Thomas Wroe
Sergeant Gareth Thursby and Private Thomas Wroe

“I know she is there is if ever I need anything and there will always be a special bond between us.

“Tom and Gareth will never be forgotten.”