Post by Frenchie on Nov 7, 2009 2:02:40 GMT 1
A British soldier killed in an explosion in Afghanistan has been named as Serjeant Phillip Scott of 3rd Battalion The Rifles.
He was killed by an improvised explosive device near Sangin in Helmand Province on Thursday morning. He became the 230th British servicemen to lose his life in the conflict since 2001.
Sjt Scott leaves behind a wife, Ellen, and children Ellie, three, and Michael, one.
His wife said: "My husband was a very brave man, loved by all his family and a very dear husband and father."
Sjt Scott, 30, who lived with his family in Edinburgh, deployed to Afghanistan in September alongside his brother Robin, also a serjeant in 3 Rifles.
Known as Scotty to his friends, he was born in Malton, North Yorkshire, in 1979 and joined the Army in 2001.
He served in Iraq and Northern Ireland before being posted to the infantry training centre in Catterick, North Yorkshire, as an instructor for new recruits.
His comrades described him as a "natural soldier" whose upbringing as a gamekeeper's son in Yorkshire made him perfect for the role of reconnaissance.
Sjt Scott had hoped to join the Special Forces after his tour of Afghanistan, and his superior officers said this was "entirely within his abilities".
Lieutenant Colonel Nick Kitson, Commanding Officer 3 Rifles Battle Group, said Sjt Scott was "the most professional of soldiers, the toughest of men and the gentlest of friends".
He added: "Generous and unassuming, Serjeant Scott brought calm, happiness and confidence to all around him.
"This Battle Group has lost one of its best junior commanders; The Rifles has lost one of its future stars.
"He died doing the job he loved and we are tremendously proud of his dedication and contribution.
"We shall miss him, both as part of our team for the current fight and for the long term as a beloved family member. Our thoughts and prayers are firmly with his wife and young children, his family and his friends."
The spelling of the rank of Sergeant with a 'j' is correct and peculiar to The Rifles Regiment.
He was killed by an improvised explosive device near Sangin in Helmand Province on Thursday morning. He became the 230th British servicemen to lose his life in the conflict since 2001.
Sjt Scott leaves behind a wife, Ellen, and children Ellie, three, and Michael, one.
His wife said: "My husband was a very brave man, loved by all his family and a very dear husband and father."
Sjt Scott, 30, who lived with his family in Edinburgh, deployed to Afghanistan in September alongside his brother Robin, also a serjeant in 3 Rifles.
Known as Scotty to his friends, he was born in Malton, North Yorkshire, in 1979 and joined the Army in 2001.
He served in Iraq and Northern Ireland before being posted to the infantry training centre in Catterick, North Yorkshire, as an instructor for new recruits.
His comrades described him as a "natural soldier" whose upbringing as a gamekeeper's son in Yorkshire made him perfect for the role of reconnaissance.
Sjt Scott had hoped to join the Special Forces after his tour of Afghanistan, and his superior officers said this was "entirely within his abilities".
Lieutenant Colonel Nick Kitson, Commanding Officer 3 Rifles Battle Group, said Sjt Scott was "the most professional of soldiers, the toughest of men and the gentlest of friends".
He added: "Generous and unassuming, Serjeant Scott brought calm, happiness and confidence to all around him.
"This Battle Group has lost one of its best junior commanders; The Rifles has lost one of its future stars.
"He died doing the job he loved and we are tremendously proud of his dedication and contribution.
"We shall miss him, both as part of our team for the current fight and for the long term as a beloved family member. Our thoughts and prayers are firmly with his wife and young children, his family and his friends."
The spelling of the rank of Sergeant with a 'j' is correct and peculiar to The Rifles Regiment.