Mercian soldier killed in Afghanistan suicide bomb blast
A British soldier killed in a suicide attack in Afghanistan was a member of The Mercian Regiment, the Ministry of Defence confirmed today.
The serviceman, from the 3rd Battalion, formerly the Staffords, was killed 'as a result of an explosion during a vehicle-borne suicide attack' while on partrol yesterday.
He was taking part in the patrol in the Kamparak area, 25 miles north east of the Lashkar Gah in Helmand Province.
The death takes the number of UK service members who have lost their lives since operations in Afghanistan began in October 2001 to 446 and is the eighth this year.
Next of kin have been informed. The Battalion is on its last tour of duty in the country. Lieutenant Colonel Hywel Lewis, the spokesman for Task Force Helmand, said: "A hugely experienced soldier has tragically died while serving with his comrades in Afghanistan.
"He commanded great respect throughout his regiment. Those who served alongside him were privileged to operate with a highly professional soldier who led by example. Our prayers and thoughts are with his family at this extremely difficult time."
More than 300 troops from the battalion are currently operating in Helmand Province. A Company arrived at their base in Lashkar Durrai at a key junction of Highway 1, the main road round Afghanistan, in late summer.
They have been using Warrior fighting vehicles that can keep up with a tank over difficult terrain and possess the fire power to support an infantry assault
They were joined in early Autumn by comrades from C company who are quartered near the logistically important town of Gereshkh. Both companies are supporting the Afghan National Army at two of the four remaining patrol bases outside Camp Bastion where British troops are still stationed.
This was expected to put them in less danger than during their previous tour on the Afghan front line in 2011 when they lost one soldier, who was shot while out on patrol, and suffered a handful of casualties, all of whom made full recoveries.
Lt Col Chris Davies, Commanding Officer, said before they left for Afghanistan: "This is our last hurrah – a chance to leave a legacy that goes forward with the heritage of the battalion. It is the final opportunity for us to represent 3Mercian and the Staffords."
