05/06/2012

Father-To-Be Dies On Duty In Helmand

A soldier who was killed a month after arriving in Afghanistan was due to become a father.

Private Gregg Thomas Stone, 20, was shot dead on Sunday in Helmand province.

He was taking part in a mission to rescue police officer Abdul Walid from an insurgent checkpoint.

Stone, from Hull, was expecting his first child with his wife Samantha.

Major Rob Singleton, Officer Commanding Burma Company, 3rd Battalion the Yorkshire Regiment, said: "Only a few days ago he told me how excited he was at the prospect of becoming a father for the first time. The thoughts and prayers of every member of Burma Company are with Gregg's wife and his loving family."

A family statement from the soldier’s mother, father, two sisters and three brothers said: "Words cannot begin to describe this great loss, and we are exceptionally proud of Gregg for everything he was and still is. This is the saddest loss of our laughing boy."

Mrs Stone said: "Gregg and I were childhood sweethearts and we met at school – he was my soulmate. He was a brilliant husband and a family man who loved his family. He was always the one to want to make us laugh – he always cheered everyone up. He was proud to be a soldier and for what he had achieved in his work. He would also want me to mention his dog Benji, who he loved to bits."

(NE)

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