ONE of the best turn-outs we have ever had – that was the verdict of Royal British Legion veterans who lined an Oxford road to pay tribute to bomb disposal expert Olaf Schmid.

Staff Sgt Schmid, who was based at Vauxhall Barracks in Didcot, died on Saturday, as he attempted to defuse a bomb in the Sangin region of Afghanistan.

Yesterday, the 30-year-old’s body was repatriated to RAF Lyneham, in Wiltshire, and driven to the John Radcliffe Hospital, in Headington, for a post mortem.

More than 500 people gathered in Headley Way to pay their respects to Staff Sgt Schmid, who was based with 11 Explosive Ordnance Disposal Regiment at Vauxhall Barracks in Didcot.

Others lined the route in the Wiltshire village of Wootton Bassett and at numerous points between the county boundary and Oxford, including the Folly Hill layby on the A420. Joy Blake, of the RBL Faringdon branch, saidsaid: “This is the 40th time we have turned out here in almost a year.”

Jim Lewendon, vice-president of the Oxfordshire RBL, said: “This was one of the best turnouts we have ever had.

“It’s impossible to know how many soldiers’ lives Staff Sgt Schmid saved – he was incredibly brave and it wouldn’t surprise me if he was nominated for a posthumous award.”

Troops from Dalton Barracks in Abingdon stood alongside RBL members and members of the public, as Staff Sgt Schmid’s coffin arrived just before 3.30pm.

There was almost complete silence as Legion standards were lowered as the hearse passed by, although one or two people chose to clap.

Sgt Danny Free, 31, of 4 Logistic Support Regiment, a friend of Staff Sgt Schmid, said: “He had an infectious personality. Once you met him, you couldn’t forget him.”

Cpl Sean Beck, 30, of 12 Logistic Support Regiment, added: “I served with Staff Sgt Schmid in the Falklands in 2002. The job he did was vital.”

Capt Richard Gardener, of 11 EOD Regiment, said soldiers from the unit had also gone to Wootton Bassett and Lyneham to salute their comrade. He added: “This was an emotional day for all of us and the regiment will be doing all it can to support Staff Sgt Schmid’s family.”

A Ministry of Defence spokesman said: “We are very thankful for the support of those who line the route.

“The public support for our fallen heroes is amazing.