IN terms of the number of casualties, the British forces have had what military analysts have described as "a good war".

Just over 30 fallen British servicemen, with the war all but won, would have been viewed before the conflict as optimistic.

Yesterday, the reality of one of those British losses weighed heavily on a North Yorkshire market town.

The funeral of Captain Philip Guy, killed just days before the birth of his baby daughter, brought Skipton to a hushed standstill.

Shops closed as mourners turned out in their thousands and bowed their heads to pay their respects to a much-loved son, husband and father whose coffin was draped in his country's flag.

In 30 or so other communities the length and breadth of the country, there will be similar heart-breaking scenes in the coming days and weeks.

Our hearts go out to those - like Captain Guy's family - who must bear the greatest loss and try to rebuild their lives.

We are full of admiration for the dignity with which they managed to get through a dreadful day in the full glare of the media.

The size of the crowd and the depth of the feelings brought home just how much one death means - and showed why there is no such thing as a "good war".