Cyrus Thatcher

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Rest in peace mucka with the rest of the fighting troops who have past on

I look your name up at the NMA each time I visit following me hearing your name and story - chin up head down soldier - you served well.

Tonight I've read this astonishing story of a true hero and had to somehow get a message to your family.

What a loving, caring hero you had for a son! I have 4 young boys and if any of them were to turn out like cyrus then id be one happy farther.
RFN CYRUS THATCHER will never be forgotten along with the other hero's that have died for this country.
Rip Thatcher

Eternal rest give unto him OLord and let perpetual light shine upon him may he rest in peace Amen. My thoughts and prayers are with the family.

Rest in perfect blessed peace Cyrus Thatcher,

Before yesterday I never heard of your name, your deeds, your actions or anything else about you, but since reading your letters, I (like everyone else who read them) instantaneously came the the conclusion that in life you must have been an remarkable incredible loving young man. If your words even touch the heart of one living soul on this planet, your words and spirit will live on eternal. I'll never forget you.

RIP Cyrus Thatcher, his letters bring the human element to this war, or any war, and Cyrus's last letter was so profound and eloquent. Your parents should hold their head up high and be so proud of this young man.

Great words in his final letter and condolence to his family.
May he rest in peace

I got great respect for you mate. I got no reasons am thinking of you so bad. Some odd reasons tonight I got that feelings for you. I will remember you for ages.

As an ex-serviceman I always cross myself when I hear on the news of a fallen soldier in Afganistan.
I have just read the letters today from a link on facebook and had a tear or two during the last letter. He sounded a top bloke and I'd just like to pass on my condolences to all his family and friends.

I forget many things (especially peoples names) but I know that every 11th November for the rest of my life I will always remember the name Cyrus Thatcher.
RIP

I never knew you, but i have been reading your letters for the past few days and heard your mum on the radio, your last letter has touched and affected me very deeply. I feel like i can connect with you on many levels. Through reading your letter I feel like I already know you, though I only wish I could have met you in person (maybe in afterlife eh?). Reading all these messages, you sound like a truly amazing person, I will remember you and you will continue to be an inspiration to me. Your death has been a great loss to this world, I will strive to achieve my goal as did you so that i can die having lived a full on life with no regrets like you did. My thoughts are with you and your family I know they are missing you heaps. I will pay my respects too you if i ever visit UK.
RIP Cyrus Thatcher.
P.S. you have good taste in music

I have just read the letters Cyrus wrote to his family and friends. What a wonderful, witty and brave young man he was. It was heartbreaking to read but you must be so very proud of him. Lots of love and best wishes to you all x

I cried my eyes out when I heard the story about the death of your son.
I bought the R.Kelly CD which Jeremy Vine played on the radio.listening to you speaking to Jeremy was so sad to listen to. He was such a brave and loving person and my heart goes out to you.
Every time I listen to 'Turn back the hands of time' I will think of Cyrus,

God bless, Michael Cheshire (Runcorn, Cheshire)

I heard the Jeremy Vine programme on monday. My heart has been touched by your story. What a brave brave man. The letters I have read have made me cry as a father feeling your loss.
I will remember Cyrus on the 11 th of November and all our heros. God bless you.

Helena , you used to baby sit me in henley road, i lived in 266. i dont remember much, but i remember Cyrus being a happy guy and always used to make me laugh. i remember when zac used to cuddle me, but i will always remember Cyrus and he was a great man.i cried when i saw his face on the news , im so sorry for your loss and he will be truely missed .

I never knew him but I have read Rifleman Cyrus Thatcher's letters in the Independent several times a day for weeks and every time I read them, it makes me cry. He was a brave man with a sense of humour and cared so much for his family. For the rest of my life I will always remember what he wrote and be inspired by his words and the young man behind them.

I was sorry to read about your demise and your letter brought tears to my eyes, my best wishes are with your family, young people like you should die of old age andnot in a war

may you rest in peace

Our heart goes out to Cyrus' family on the loss of such a wonderful, brave young man. I could hardly read the letters, especially the last one because of sobbing and having read the tributes can see that the world feels the same. God Bless Cyrus and you all.

hey Cyrus!!!, long time na speak! i was thinking about you a couple of days before i heard, firstly to his family cyrus was a great friend, a joker and even tho we used to get each other sent out of class he made secondary school fun!! u should be proud! CY, i didnt evn know u were in afghan hun, i remember u talkin about joining the army and making paper aeroplanes and all that lol but never knew u did it! congrats on making ur dream a success, im still in uni workin on mine!! the letter you wrote to ur family was beautiful and i know they are so proud of you, as am i!! hope your having fun up in heaven, another angel smiling down on us.. i miss u man! and its a shame we never did get to meet up again randomely. my condolences to his family and everyone else from C.E we all loved him. Alarna xxxx

The word hero goes no way to doing Cyrus justice. Without people like him, the rest of us would be nowhere. He was not just persuing his own dream but also acting totally selflessly by serving and protecting every single person back in the UK. An absolute inspiration, may his rest in peace and never be forgotten.

I HAVE JUST READ THE LETTER YOUR SON WROTE (PUBLISHED IN THE WEEK) AND HAVE SAT IN TEARS. YOU SHOULD BE VERY PROUD OF YOUR SON. NOBODY COULD IMAGINE WHAT YOU ARE GOING THROUGH.
YOU MUST BE VERY BRAVE PEOPLE.
GOD BLESS YOU ALL.
THINK OF HIM WITH PRIDE.

D.CLOUGHLEY
NORTHERN IRELAND

Having just read the letter he wrote, my instant reaction was that he was clearly an intelligent and very perceptive young man, and while it's so very easy for me to say so I hope his family and friends are chest-expandingly proud of this fine young man of immense character. May he rest in peace.

My thoughts and prayers are with you, during this hard time. The letter to his family has touched hearts all across the world. We are all very proud of your son. And he will never be forgotten.

So very sorry for this family's loss. What a remarkable young man he was. Just sad.

Reading Rifleman Thatcher's letters made me laugh loud and cry hard. I am an old US Army, Viet Nam/Cold War vet. His letters made this old man 19 years old again. All the youthful hopes, dreams and aspirations. His affection for his friends and his deep, deep love and admiration for his parents and siblings. God Bless the Thatcher family. Their loss is shared by all of us.

I listened to the letter that he wrote to his family, I was reduced to tears! What an extraordinary young man he was.

I was very humbled by the sacrifice he made as I have never been in the forces.

Be very very proud of this young man

I would like to offer my condolences to the Thatcher family. I have just read the letter that Cyrus sent to you and you must be so very proud of him what an amazing attitude he had. He really is an inspriation and has made me think. He will never be forgotten.
God Bless you

well done Cyrus you where a true man.

I to would like to pass on my condolences to the Thatcher family after hearing how amazingly brave you were on the radio yesterday I felt you should know that like Cyrus we to are very proud of you such dignity.

Hello from australia,

I would just like to offer my heartfelt condolences on your great loss. Here in australia one of our local radio announcers has just read the letter that your son wrote to you, my heart goes out to you entirely (I am also a mum) I hope that you do, do one thing that you really what to do and just know that one day you will see Cyrus again.

I am so sorry for your family

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

I would like to offer my condolences to the family of Cyrus. Having listened to the moving letter that he so bravely left for his family, it was truly heart wrenching. Thank you for sharing it with the world, it reminds us all of the huge sacrifices that are being made by these brave soldiers and their families.
God Bless you all.
LC and family.

Today, I read the letter that Cyrus Thatcher wrote to his family before he died. I have never read anything as moving as this. What a lovely boy, with strength of character to be able to write such a letter. This must bring great comfort to his family at this time. What a wonderful son and brother.

I did not know Cyrus or his family but I have just been listening to Cyrus's mmother on radio 2 with tears rolling down my face at her courage in such a testing time - god bless you all and may the stregth and love of your family see you all through this tragic time.

After listerning to your son's letter on radio 2, i think of my own son who is in the RAF, uk air defence, and will go on det to afganistan next year, the forces makes the boys into caring men, the love from them overwhelms us @ home, we know from talking to him and his Band of Brothers that they are one, and what the forces do , they put them selves in harms way for All of us and would and do lay down their lives for the good.Well done Cyrus and all that have fallen and have been injured, with best wishes to your family. Thank you for sharing your personal letter, thank-you radio 2 for broadcasting the letter . Thank's to the family once again. RB and family, sussex.

I did not know Mr. Thatcher, but I deeply appreciate the sacrifice he made for his country.

We will be forever indebted to you, and your family, although heartbroken, will be full of pride in your selfless service. Rest in Peace.

RIP CYRUS THATCHER- I cant believe your gone babe, you were always an amazing person while a big smile that could have brightened up anyones day or nite. i miss you in the clubs you were a one of unique person and i loved you to pieces. miss you forever cyrus. love always. rachel connor. xx. my thoughts and prayers are with your family now cyrus, and i want you too know i thought your son was amazing and had time for everyone. xxxx

RIP CYRUS
well wat can i say ur def one of kind and ive never seen dance moves lyk urs on da floor think ull know wat nite im talking about will miss walking into a club and being called alrite curly lol lots of love lisa xxx

RIP Cyrus
It wasn't until after I heard of your death that I knew you. You died fighting for your country and I salute you for it. We wouldn't be here if it wasn't for your bravery and all other soldiers. RIP Cyrus and my heart goes out to your parents and your brothers :'(

xx

My thoughts to the family and friends of Cyrus Thatcher.A very brave young man who his family lost to soon.My heart goes out to you all.

Rob and Helena, In the past I have often thought about you both and your family and looked on various websites to see if I could get in touch with you and I am so saddened that I have come across this news. Everything I have read about Cyrus it seems that he was a fantastic guy and a credit to you both and knowing you two that goes without saying. My thoughts are with you, really. Rita

I first met Cyrus while attending Micklands Toddler group with my own children.My eldest son went right through Pre-School, Primary & Secondry with Cyrus.I work at Micklands Primary School as a TA where Cyrus attended ( Know as Mrs Lee ) so i got to know him very well.He had a wonderful warmth about him, the joker, with a hugh smile that lit up the room who always put others before himself. I will always remember you running around the playground at lunchtimes with all your mates & how proud & smart you looked when you arrived at your Chiltern Edge prom with that same hugh smile.I can't begin to imagine what Helena, Robin, Zach & Steley are going through but my thoughts will always be with them, i will look in on them for you i promise.I am so proud of you Cyrus you grew into a lovely young man, who fought for his country in a job that i know you wanted to do & clerly loved.RIP dear Cyrus you will always be in my thoughts.x

I passed by the funeral on a bus yesterday on my way home to Manchester. It was first I new about it.
I didn't know Cyrus personally but that didn't make any difference to the grief that I felt - which of course must be nothing to that which the family must feel right now. I have sons of the same age and cannot imagine how it must feel.
You can be assured that we, the rest of the country, the passers by, are all feeling your grief and are forever indebted to our courageous soldiers and the price that sometimes they have to pay.
Our thoughts, prayers and deepest condolensces are with you, his family and friends.
RIP Cyrus, you are the Pride of our country.

I met Cyrus at in CSD at chiltern edge. He was a very nice lad and is going to be missed very muchly.

R.I.P Cyrus

x

RIP young Cyrus, As a British soldier you have made the ultimate sacrifice doing your duty for your country and the people of Afghanistan. I never met you, but I'm very proud of you.

Rob & Helena you are in my thoughts

WORDS SEEM SO HOLLOW AT A TIME LIKE THIS.YOU WERE FAR TOO YOUNG.MY THOUGHTS ARE WITH YOUR FAMILY AND MY THANKS ARE FOR YOU AND YOUR DEVOTION TO DUTY.SLEEP PEACEFULLY.

My thoughts go out to Cyrus and his family and friends,I have a young son in the army too,I stood watching the funeral today and my only wish was that more of the people of Reading should of come out for you today.
we should all be very proud of you Cyrus
God bless you

Thank you for serving your country . I hope your family find some comfort in the fact that we are all proud of him.

May you rest in peace

You are true hero you died fighting for you country and the whole of reading are proud of you may u rest in peace

I to don't know you personally but I go to micklands primary at the minute and mrs choudrie gives her regards. I belive that she went to your funeral.
R.I.P
xxx

May you rest in peace - you died a hero.

x

My deepest condolences for the thatcher family and those in his extended family too! I met Cyrus through his nan at caversham baptist church many years ago. I remember you and you brothers coming to holiday clubs, you always had such a special smile. My prayers are with all the family. Rest in peace Cyrus.

I didn't know you personally Cyrus, but used to speak to your mum when my son Lee was at school with Steely. I can't begin to imagine how your family must be feeling at this dreadful time, i do know you are a credit to your family and your country. RIP Cyrus from The Grover family.

RIP Cyrus. You have made me proud to be British.
With eternal gratitude
xx

Hi. Thanks for laying down your life to protect the british public from the threats of terrism thanks again and its a shame you lost your life doing what you loved .

With regards

Stephanie simpson (miss)

Another one of our fallen heroes! Taken way to young! As an army wife i know of the dangers you put yourself in for us, and i am truley gratefull and proud!
R.I.P
xxx

i didnt no you that long but when i was with you all you did was make me laugh, you had the kidest heart that i have ever met, all you ever did was look after other people, you will always be rembered as a star

I taught Cyrus at Micklands Primary School 11 years ago. He was a boy who I always knew would make his family proud. He was hard working, polite, friendly, but more importantly, he was the life and soul of my class that year. Always smiling, laughing and happy. i will never forget our Greek assembly where he played Archimedes and jumped out of a bath shouting 'Eureka!!' I feel privileged to have been part of his and his fantastic family's life. My deepest sympathy and fondest memories go out to his family and friends. xx

I first met Cyrus when he came to the Army careers office to join up , as i am the cleaner there, cyrus had an aura that shined through his passion and love for the army , you felt so comfortable in his company , to any mother he would have been the perfect son i will miss him lots ,my condolences to his family.

you have done a fantastic job mate thinking of you x

My thoughts go out to your family, i am from Caversham and was so very saddened to hear this news, god bless to you all

Rob & Helena, my thoughts are with you.

Cyrus you died doing what you loved we are all very proud (friend of family)

rest in peace cyrus, you are the bravest person i have ever had the pleasure of meeting. my thoughts are with your family. the world is missing an amazing guy x

Your mother, father, brothers and friends will miss you always. We are all so very proud of you. Today is a very sad day...

Dawn (friend of the family)

I did not know you, but as I live in CPV, the community is morning your loss. May your family take great comfort with all the support given. RIP

I didnt know you personally but you died far too young. Solidiers are real people with families and friend not playthings for politicions to make them feel good,
RIP

i do not you but i do know that my nephew alex scott is deeply moved by this sadness that has been brought to this family be proud at a very sad time

Smiles in heaven
lisa frain x

I Didn't know you personly but i knew of you Steely and your Mum through my son Jamie Harris. You were so brave, R.I.P. Cyrus our thoughts are with you.

I taught Cyrus at Micklands Primary School 11 years ago. He was a boy who I always knew would make his family proud. He was hard working, polite, friendly, but more importantly, he was the life and soul of my class that year. Always smiling, laughing and happy. i will never forget our Greek assembly where he played Archimedes and jumped out of a bath shouting 'Eureka!!' I feel privaledged to have been part of his and his fantastic family's life. My deepest sympathy and fondest memories go out to his family and friends. xx

I knew him from secondary school. He was so funny. He will never be forgotten.

Rest in peace Cyrus.
Gone but never forgotten.

gone but not forgotten..

suzy Heslop

i met you through a friend at your leaving party at the jazz club. i never thought you wouldnt come home safely cyrus. you were so brave and have done everyone proud. you left us with some amazing memories of you. please help your family and friends to stay strong, ive seen how upset they all are. you were truely one in a million, gone but never forgotten.

Rest In Peace - Cyrus Thatcher
lovee Amyee xx

I was sadend to hear of the death of young Rfn Thatcher. I met him when he arrived at ITC catterick for his phase two traning. He was a fit,robust,enthusiastic,energetic soldier with a lot to offer the Army. You're family will be proud of you mate. Coporal O'Neill 1st Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland.

I'd like to extend to everyone who know Cyrus Thatcher my most heart felt condolences.

Personally I'm very proud of our Armed Forces and I hold them in great respect. It's strange to hear about people my age giving so much when others my age do the complete opposite. People like Cyrus are Heroes, plain and simple.

Once again my condolences.
R.I.P - Cyrus Thatcher.

Cyrus you done us all so proud. We will never forget or stop missing you. Sam made a promise to Mia that he will never let her forget you. And he has never meant anything so much in his life. You were there for us as a family and we are so gratefull to have know you. Thinking of you always xx
R.I.P mate
All our love
Sam, Manda, Mia & Lexi xx

it was only a few months ago we last see you when your mum and dad threw your leaving party at the jazz club. i never would of thought i would be writing this now! you were such a good friend to everyone. you've done everyone proud!a truly dedecated soldier.i know i didnt know you too well but u were a great friend to spud. are thought are with you helena,rob and family.
rest in peace cyrus!

maria and spud xxx

I love you so much.. i never thought this day would come for me to be writing this. I miss you so much, if only another day could pass to see your face again i would do anything. Im so proud of you. Just keep shining you are all ways in my heart love u forever.xxxx

I'm so proud of you cyrus, not many people will achieve what u have in there life time let alone in 19 years. your a hero i know you'll be up there looking over all your loved ones your always be in our heart its been a pleasure knowing you all these years all the way back to year 3!!! keep a space up there for me. love you x

i dont know this lad but comefrom the town of kirkby in ashfield nottinghamshire we have just had the funeral of Adrian Sheldon who was in the 2nd rifleman its a honour to be able to pay tribute to these young lads they should never be allowed to be forgot and we should remember the ones that are still over there laying thier lives on the line every day for us god bless you all and our thoughts are with cyrus family at this very sad time kathleen notts

Cyrus it was a pleasure knowing you mate you were so brave and have done your family and friends so so proud. Helena,rob,zac and steely are love and thoughts are with you at this heartbreaking time, lots of love

RIP Cyrus you have done your country, family and friends proud. You will never be forgotten and will always be loved.
xxxx

Cyrus, knowing you was an absolute pleasure and I cannot believe that I am writing this to you now. Whenever I came to your house you always greeted me with a warm hug, a kind welcome and that wicked grin (sometimes with a mouthful of Haribos!) I promise to look after your fantastic parents and your two lovely brothers and swear I will not lose touch. I will never forget you and the happy times we spent together at Christmas time in Dunster (the cow pats on the hill) camping (the mashed potato and Rob's fridge that didnt work) and the curry nights (lamb passanda) Our family had the pleasure to spend some great times with you and the rest of the Thatcher family and that can never been taken away from us, for that I am eternally grateful. I know Rob and Helena feel immensely proud, as we all do, of the way you served your country. There will always be only one Cyrus Thatcher and I cannot believe that we will never meet again. You will remain in my thoughts forever. Fondest love Cyrus (my "caramel" friend) xxxxx

Cyrus ive known u for 17 years.. U were alwys up for anything a true legend in my eyes and im sure every1 will agree. Never forget u mate. You served our country proud.. And every1 respects you. Everythings starting to blur now. RIP my old friend... A true rifleman.. Lee hatter x

You have made us all so proud, Cyrus.
You are an amazing person and I know you will never ever be forgotten.
I'll never forget the way you use to make me laugh - Rest In Peace. Love you.
xxxx

Cyrus,
I always remember your smile on your first day at school, it was bright than sun. You light so many lives. You were hard working, kind. It was honour to have known you during our time in school.
Good Night God Bless
The angles are with you now.
Jame Harris
(Micklands Primary School 1995-2002)

Our thoughts are with the family at this very sad time. Cyrus was very brave and made his country proud. xxxx

I didn't see you after school but it's so shocking to hear news like this. I know you will be truly missed by everyone. Such a terrible thing to happen. My thoughts are with you all x

Cyrus you are a legend and will never be forgotton ....my thoughts go to your family at this time ....you were a great man and an amazing soldier :(

Helena, Robin and the boys: So saddened to hear the terrible news. I only ever met Cyrus as a young lad, and I do hope that all the deep sentiments shared by his colleagues and friends give you a touch of comfort. Thinking of you all, but in particular my thoughts are with you Helena, as his mum. With love,

My thoughts are with you all at this sad time.
Cyrus will be missed so much he was such a special friend to me and so many others.
i am so proud of what he has achieved
love you always
xxxxx

Rob / Helena / Zac and Steely...shocked and saddened by the news. It is unfair. Lovely lad, very kind, very generous and very funny. "Lamb pasanda" as his usual curry dish I recall. Me and Jane are thinking of you all. Love...The Gadds

So very sorry to hear the sad news. Alex and his family send Steely and his family our sincere condolences and respect for what he did.

Rob and Helena
So sorry to hear your ever so sad news
Dave and Lesley

R.I.P
Deepest Sympathy To His Family And Friends

Rob & Helena, my deepest thoughts are with you both. Simon Micuta

God bless you for the ultimate sacrifice you have made.