20/02/2008

Afghanistan Blast Soldier Named

The Ministry of Defence has revealed the name of the soldier killed during an explosion in Afghanistan.

Lawrence 25 year-old Corporal Stephen 'Damian' from Yorkshire was killed in action on Sunday, in Helmand Province, southern Afghanistan after being tasked with clearing a number of buildings.

An explosive device was detonated injuring Stephen Lawrence of 2nd Battalion Yorkshire Regiment and another soldier whose injuries turned out not to be life threatening.

Medical treatment was administered at the scene and both soldiers were evacuated to Camp Bastion by emergency response helicopter, however Corporal Lawrence was pronounced dead on arrival.

Stephen Lawerence, who also served in Northern Ireland, Kosovo and twice in Afghanistan, leaves behind his partner Eve and a young daughter, Jessica.

A Ministry of Defence (MoD) spokesman said: "He flourished in the dangerous challenges of mentoring the Afghan Army on operations and it is absolutely typical that he died leading from the front, paying the ultimate price for the leadership and courage that came so naturally to him. In Corporal Lawrence's death, the Battalion has been robbed of a first rate commander and a good friend, taken all too early when he had so, so much else to live for.”

The Mother of Corporal Lawrence, Alison Lawrence, said: "I would like all soldiers of the 2nd Battalion of the Yorkshire Regiment to promise me that on their return to England they find the nearest bar and raise a toast to my son.

“Damian was a very special son always joking and loved to party. He was also an amazing father to his three-year-old daughter, Jessica.

“I know, like us, you will all have your own special memories of him and I want you all to know that he lived and breathed army life. I am proud as his mother to say he died doing what he loved.”

(DW)

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