DRAPED in the Union flag, the coffin containing a hero Rifleman entered Winchester Cathedral this afternoon (July 6). The body of Major Paul Harding was carried towards the altar on the shoulders of six of his comrades.His regimental cap, sword and belt rested on the coffin as it slowly passed the hundreds of mourners that came to pay their respects.Major Harding, who lived in South Wonston, was killed in action in the Iraqi city of Basra on Wednesday, June 20.Born in Surrey in 1958, he enlisted with the Royal Green Jackets when 18, and passed out at Peninsula Barracks in Winchester.During 30 years in the army, his overseas service included Northern Ireland, Cyprus, Canada and Brunei.He was also based at the Royal Arms Pay Corps at Worthy Down near Winchester during the mid-1980s. While there, he joined its football team, and was voted player of the year.In 1985 he met his future wife, Paula, and they became engaged within three weeks of their first meeting.Married in 1987, the couple had two sons, Christopher, now 19, and Jake, 17. Major Harding worked his way up the ranks during his three decades in uniform.Following a tour of duty in Iraq in 2003, he returned there earlier this year, and met his death.Around 800 people gathered at the cathedral for his funeral today. They included family, friends, dignitaries, and hundreds of soldiers past and present.One of his former comrades and close friends, Major Nick Haddock, retired, gave the eulogy. He described Major Harding as a gifted sportsman who was devoted to his family."He was a larger than life person, with a big moustache, a big motorbike, and perhaps an Iron Maiden T-shirt on underneath."He added that his friend always had a soft spot for stray canines."Only Paul could get up at 6.30 on a Sunday morning and announce they were off to Battersea Dogs Home to collect another one."Major Harding was also a "father figure" to the younger soldiers in his regiment, The Rifles, he said."He touched so many lives, and died where he was always to be found, leading from the front," he added.The hymns at the funeral included Onward Christian Soldiers and I Vow To Thee My Country. The service concluded with The Last Post, followed by silence, and then Reveille.Major Harding's body was then taken to the crematorium, and a wake was held at the Sir John Moore Barracks in Harestock.