Post by cammy on Aug 8, 2009 17:49:48 GMT 1
The Ministry of Defence has named three soldiers who died when their vehicle came under attack in Afghanistan on Thursday. They were Corporal Kevin Mulligan, Lance Corporal Dale Hopkins and Private Kyle Adams.
Defence Secretary Bob Ainsworth said: "These men were highly gifted individuals at the forefront of their profession and their loss is a heavy blow."
The Parachute Regiment soldiers were killed when their Jackal armoured vehicle was hit by an explosion and raked with gunfire north of Lashkar Gah in Helmand province.
The paratroopers had been working alongside special forces on a routine security patrol with Afghan troops.
A fourth member of the patrol was injured and remains in a critical condition.
It is understood the men killed belonged to the recently formed Special Forces Support Group (SFSG), which was set up in April 2006 largely with personnel from the Parachute Regiment, Royal Marines and the RAF Regiment.
Its main role is to provide direct support for UK special forces missions, but it is also involved in domestic counter-terrorism operations.
The deaths take to 195 the number of British troops who have died in Afghanistan since operations began in October 2001. A record 22 were killed last month.
Corporal Mulligan's family said: "Kevin was the light and love in all our lives and he will always be close in our hearts." His commanding officer said: "Corporal Mulligan was the epitome of a professional soldier; diligent, selfless, caring, with a profound sense of duty. A charismatic man with an irrepressible sense of humour, he was overwhelmingly popular and universally respected. An exceptional leader, he died how he led his life, at the forefront of his men.
"He gave his life for his comrades and for the Parachute Regiment, both of which were dear to him. Our thoughts are with his family, his fiancee and his unborn child at this incredibly difficult time."
Lance Corporal Hopkins's family said: "Dale was a loving son and brother. He was a determined, energetic man who loved life. We are so very proud of him and all that he achieved.
"We are all devastated that such a wonderful and popular person is now missing from our lives. Dale will be sadly missed by his family, friends and colleagues."
His commanding officer said: "Dale was an immensely proud, forthright and honest man who took an abiding joy in soldiering. An outstanding and utterly professional paratrooper, he readily embraced the self sacrifice, responsibility and dedication required of his profession. He died doing the job he so loved, alongside the comrades that meant so much to him."
Private Adams's family noted that before his deployment he said to his father, "Dad, I'm not a soldier. I'm a Para."
His father said: "He was a loving son, brother, uncle, nephew, grandson, and boyfriend. He was the life and soul of any party. He has left a big hole and he will be sorely missed."
His commanding officer said: "Private Adams was an undemonstrative, yet utterly professional soldier. Always ready for the next challenge, he was a real team player, and indeed was a talented sportsman.
"The focus, selflessness and responsibility required of his profession came naturally to him. He died doing the work he loved, alongside the comrades who held him in such high regard."
Ainsworth said the men "made the ultimate sacrifice in pursuit of a brighter future for the Afghan people".
"I continue to be inspired by the incredible professionalism, bravery and commitment of our armed forces. As a nation, we are exceptionally lucky to have them.
"My thoughts and heartfelt sympathy are with the family, friends and colleagues of these three men. This is an extremely difficult time, but I have no doubt that our forces' resolve to succeed in their vital work in Afghanistan will remain undiminished."
Rest Easy Lads (Cammy)
Defence Secretary Bob Ainsworth said: "These men were highly gifted individuals at the forefront of their profession and their loss is a heavy blow."
The Parachute Regiment soldiers were killed when their Jackal armoured vehicle was hit by an explosion and raked with gunfire north of Lashkar Gah in Helmand province.
The paratroopers had been working alongside special forces on a routine security patrol with Afghan troops.
A fourth member of the patrol was injured and remains in a critical condition.
It is understood the men killed belonged to the recently formed Special Forces Support Group (SFSG), which was set up in April 2006 largely with personnel from the Parachute Regiment, Royal Marines and the RAF Regiment.
Its main role is to provide direct support for UK special forces missions, but it is also involved in domestic counter-terrorism operations.
The deaths take to 195 the number of British troops who have died in Afghanistan since operations began in October 2001. A record 22 were killed last month.
Corporal Mulligan's family said: "Kevin was the light and love in all our lives and he will always be close in our hearts." His commanding officer said: "Corporal Mulligan was the epitome of a professional soldier; diligent, selfless, caring, with a profound sense of duty. A charismatic man with an irrepressible sense of humour, he was overwhelmingly popular and universally respected. An exceptional leader, he died how he led his life, at the forefront of his men.
"He gave his life for his comrades and for the Parachute Regiment, both of which were dear to him. Our thoughts are with his family, his fiancee and his unborn child at this incredibly difficult time."
Lance Corporal Hopkins's family said: "Dale was a loving son and brother. He was a determined, energetic man who loved life. We are so very proud of him and all that he achieved.
"We are all devastated that such a wonderful and popular person is now missing from our lives. Dale will be sadly missed by his family, friends and colleagues."
His commanding officer said: "Dale was an immensely proud, forthright and honest man who took an abiding joy in soldiering. An outstanding and utterly professional paratrooper, he readily embraced the self sacrifice, responsibility and dedication required of his profession. He died doing the job he so loved, alongside the comrades that meant so much to him."
Private Adams's family noted that before his deployment he said to his father, "Dad, I'm not a soldier. I'm a Para."
His father said: "He was a loving son, brother, uncle, nephew, grandson, and boyfriend. He was the life and soul of any party. He has left a big hole and he will be sorely missed."
His commanding officer said: "Private Adams was an undemonstrative, yet utterly professional soldier. Always ready for the next challenge, he was a real team player, and indeed was a talented sportsman.
"The focus, selflessness and responsibility required of his profession came naturally to him. He died doing the work he loved, alongside the comrades who held him in such high regard."
Ainsworth said the men "made the ultimate sacrifice in pursuit of a brighter future for the Afghan people".
"I continue to be inspired by the incredible professionalism, bravery and commitment of our armed forces. As a nation, we are exceptionally lucky to have them.
"My thoughts and heartfelt sympathy are with the family, friends and colleagues of these three men. This is an extremely difficult time, but I have no doubt that our forces' resolve to succeed in their vital work in Afghanistan will remain undiminished."
Rest Easy Lads (Cammy)