The body of a sailor who died following a road accident in Bahrain returned to Britain today, alongside a soldier killed in action in Afghanistan.

Chief Petty Officer Andrew Brookes, of the Royal Navy, and Corporal Stephen Walker, of 40 Commando Royal Marines, was flown back to RAF Lyneham where a private ceremony was held at the base’s chapel before the cortege made its way through the streets of Wootton Bassett.

Hundreds lined the High Street in tribute as has become the custom.

CPO Brookes, serving with United Kingdom Maritime Component Command, died as a result of injuries received in the accident in the Juffair district of Manama on May 16.

No further details have been released.

Cpl Walker died on May 21 following an explosion near Patrol Base Almas, in Sangin, Helmand Province.

His wife Leona paid tribute to the 42-year-old Northern Irishman as a “fantastic Dad” and a “perfect soul mate”.

Cpl Walker died as he took part in a patrol alongside members of the Afghanistan National Army.

The father of two joined the Royal Navy in 1986 before transferring to the Royal Marines in 1990.

During his 20 years with the Marines, he served in Northern Ireland, southern Turkey and Iraq before being sent to Afghanistan.

His company was responsible for providing security for the people of Sangin during his latest deployment.

Originally from Lisburn, Northern Ireland, he lived in Exmouth, Devon, with his wife Leona and their daughter Greer. He also leaves behind a son, Samuel.

His widow said in tribute: “Steve was passionate, loyal and determined. He enjoyed the role he had in the Marines but he was a family man at heart.

“He was a fantastic Dad to Greer and he was the perfect soul mate to me.”