On top of the coffin were the 39-year-old father-of-two's sword, his scabbard, forage cap, Sam Browne belt and medals.

BBC: Funeral for Afghanistan officer

In December's pre-Budget report, Labour announced belt-tightening measures including a 1% cap on public sector pay rises and an increase in National Insurance from 2011.

BBC: Shadow business secretary Ken Clarke

He wore his belt gun which was a big long dragoon pistol, the cap-and-ball kind that was old-fashioned even at that time.

NPR: Excerpt: 'True Grit'