Marine Tony Evans and Marine Georgie Sparks, both of J Company, 42 Commando Royal Marines were mortally wounded on Thursday 27th Novewhile on patrol mber 2008 in the Lashkar Gah area of southern Helmand, Afghanistan.
They received immediate medical attention but both died from their injuries during the helicopter flight to the hospital at Camp Bastion.

"Tony was an excellent soldier. Tony was a Royal Marines Commando. A very fit young lad with aspirations of being a sniper, there was no one better. Tony was our "oppo" (mate) and most importantly, our friend. He will be truly missed and never forgotten throughout J Company."

"Sparky was an honest lad, a true 'oppo' (mate), very polite and a genuine bloke, a unique individual and you will never come across another guy like Georgie. He will be dearly missed from all his friends in J Company."

MoD: Marine Tony Evans and Marine Georgie Sparks killed in Afghanistan

A Royal Marine saved scores of his comrades after rugby-tackling a suicide bomber before he could explode a large motorcycle bomb. The Marine, who asked not to be identified, spotted the terrorist reaching for the denonator and grappled him to the ground. The suicide bomb contained 70 kilograms of explosives and was so huge it would have destroyed everything within 180 metres and left a huge crater. The Marine's swift and brave action saved the lives and limbs of 130 Royal Marine and Afghan army soldiers who were nearby including all those in his own L Company of 42 Commando. His Company Commander said: 'It was conspicuous gallantry. He saved multiple lives. Everyone thinks he's a hero."

What a hero!

The Mail: Hero Royal Marine saved 130 soldiers by rugby tackling suicide bomber

Last Friday soldiers from 23 Engineer Regiment (Air Assault) were presented with their Operational Service Medals following their latest six-month tour in Afghanistan.
Responsible for all the reconstruction and development projects in Helmand province, one of their major successes during the tour was clearing of the route for the delivery of the turbine to the Kajaki Dam.

Well done, lads!

MoD: Army Engineers receive Afghanistan medals
MoD: 23 Engineer Regiment (Air Assault)

The MoD has announced that Royal Marine Alexander Lucas from 45 Commando Royal Marines was killed as a result of an explosion in the Kajaki area of Helmand province on Monday 24th November 2008.

"Alex will be greatly missed by all those who knew him, but will never be forgotten by those who thought so much of him. Alex Lucas - True Gent."

MoD: Marine Alexander Lucas killed in Afghanistan

Two stories of heroism underfire were reported last week.

Sergeant Lee French of 1st Battalion The Rifles was being carried away on a stretcher, his pelvis shattered by a Taliban bullet, when he climbed off and went on to lead his patrol to safety.
The Sun: Stretcher soldier rose & fought on

Gurkha soldiers from the 2nd Battalion the Royal Gurkha Rifles braved Taliban machinegun fire to rescue a wounded colleague. Sadly this “outstanding moment of bravery” was in vain as the comrade they rescued died shortly after the battle.
The Times; ‘Man down!’ Gurkhas tell of rescue under Taliban fire

BBC: The Ministry of Defence has released footage of an intense two-day battle in which the first Gurkha to die in Afghanistan lost his life.

Sergeant Jonathan Hollingsworth from the Parachute Regiment was killed in Basra City, Iraq, on Thursday 23rd November 2006.

Sgt Hollingsworth died as a result of gunshot wounds sustained during a raid on suspected insurgents.

"He was a seasoned trooper and a brilliant individual," a senior defence source told the Daily Telegraph. "He epitomised everything the regiment stands for. He was tough, highly professional and totally unselfish."

MoD Defence News: Sergeant Jonathan Hollingsworth killed in Iraq
Lasting Tribute: Jonathan Hollingsworth
BBC: Soldier killed in Iraq raid named
The Mirror: 'Hidden' SAS hero outrage

The Times: Troops Return
[slide show]

Sergeant John Jones, from 1st Battalion The Royal Regiment of Fusiliers, was killed in Basra on 20th November 2005. He died as a result of injuries received when a roadside bomb detonated near his Landrover while he was leading his patrol through the streets of the city.
Sgt Jones' commanding officer said he would be remembered as an outstanding soldier. "Jonah Jones was a much loved and highly popular member of our Battalion, the First Fusiliers. Brimming with energy, a love of soldiering and an endearing sense of humour and compassion for his men, he will be sorely missed"

MoD Defence News: Sergeant John Jones killed in Basra
The Telegraph: Casualties of war: a soldier writes
BBC: Tributes to Iraq blast sergeant
Military Families Support Group: In Memory of Sergeant John Jones

A bypass round Earl Shilton in Leicestershire may be renamed "Poachers Way" in honour of 2 Battalion The Royal Anglian Regiment, nicknamed The Poachers. The Battalion will soon be coming to the end of its latest six month tour in Iraq where the guys have been mentoring local Iraqi forces.

Another possible contender for the road name is "Tigers Way" after The Royal Leicestershire Regiment. As far as I can see this regiment became the 4th Battalion The Royal Anglian Regiment (The Tigers) in 1964 which was in turn amalgamated into the 2nd Battalion in 1975. So the Tigers became the Poachers........so "Poachers Way" would honour them both.
Whilst the ruling Labour group in the Council think local residents should vote on the name, the Liberal Democrats are all for spending a few £grand on consultants.

Leicester Mercury: Bypass may be named to honour military heroes

Thousands of people lined the streets of Colchester yesterday to cheer home the local lads of 16 Air Assault following their recent tour of Afghanistan. It was a day of sadness as well as celebration for the parade was also in honour of those who had given their lives fighting the Taliban.
The Mayor of Colchester said: "This special ceremony paid tribute to the bravery and resilience of the soldiers that served in Afghanistan, remembering and honouring the fallen troops. People across Colchester welcomed the opportunity to show their support and appreciation to the Armed Forces by celebrating the return of 16 Air Assault Brigade to their family and friends."

The Brigade, which has about 6,000 personnel, forms the Army's primary rapid reaction force and is prepared to be deployed for use in any eventuality.

Well done 16 Air Assault! Well done Colchester!

BBC: Town salutes Afghanistan troops
The Sun: Hundreds salute return of heroes
MoD: Thousands welcome home 16 Air Assault Brigade
Colchester Gazette: Town welcomes its troops home
MoD: 16 Air Assault Brigade

Royal Mail is planning to bring out a set of stamps to commemorate the F1 success of Lewis Hamilton.
Royal Mail is refusing to bring out a set of stamps to commemorate those who have been killed fighting in Iraq.

So there you have it: Royal Mail is prepared to honour a multi-million pound tax-exile who can drive a car very fast but is not prepared to honour those who have laid down their lives for their country!

The Times: Lewis Hamilton steps off the podium and on to the postage stamp
The Art Fund: Queen and Country

Captain John McDermid of The Royal Highland Fusiliers, 2nd Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland was killed on Wednesday 14th November 2007 in Sangin, southern Afghanistan. He was serving with 2nd Battalion The Yorkshire Regiment and leading a joint UK and Afghan National Army patrol when he was killed by an IED.
Captain Southam, said: "I first met Captain John McDermid just prior to the deployment and was immediately struck by his warmth and good humour and with his ability to make friends very quickly. During the deployment

it became very clear that his professionalism and drive were immense and that he was an inspiration to all who worked with him. The fact that even after almost 25 years of service he continued to set standards for others to follow speaks volumes for the kind of soldier he was. Sadly, John ultimately lost his life doing the one job he had always excelled at: being an exceptional soldier who knew only one way, that of leading from the front."

MoD Defence News
BBC: Chief praises soldier's bravery
Lasting Tribute
The Sun: Soldier was a 'wonderful man'

The village of Waterbeach, Cambridgeshire turned out last Sunday to welcome home soldiers of 48 Field Squadron (Air Support) 39 Engineer Regiment following their successful three month deployment in Iraq. Based at nearby Waterbeach Barracks, the guys were treated as local heroes by village residents.

Well done 48 Field Squadron!
Well done Waterbeach!

MoD: Engineers welcomed home from Iraq
MoD: 39 Engineer Regiment (Air Support) - 48 Field Squadron (Air Support)

The Art Fund, an independent art charity, is taking Steve McQueen's "Queen and Country" exhibition to the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art, Edinburgh. The work goes on display on 3 December until 15 February 2009.

More than 14,500 people have already signed the petition to realise Steve McQueen's work, which commemorates British servicemen and women killed in Iraq, as official postage stamps. Royal Mail, however, continues to refuse to issue commemorative stamps based on Steve McQueen's designed.

You can sign the petition at www.artfund.org/queenandcountry

The Art Fund: Queen and Country
Daily Telegraph: Steve McQueen's Queen and Country: The new face of remembrance

At another ceremony to mark the Territoral Army's Centenary, the steam locomotive "Oliver Cromwell" was renamed "The Territorial Army 1908-2008" by HRH The Duke of Gloucester, Colonel-in-Chief of the Royal Anglian Regiment. The event was a re-enactment of an event in 1958 to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the Territorial Army, when a steam locomotive was named 'The Territorial Army 1908-1958' by the then Duke of Norfolk.
The valuable contribution made by the TA to Britain's Armed Forces is increasingly being recognised; its integration into military operations is witnessed by the Army Jobs slogan "One Army, Regular & Territorial".
Operations in Afghanistan and Iraq stretched the British armed forces to their very limits and the TA found itself catapulted into a far more important role than before. It switched from becoming an under-used reserve force to in-demand battalions seeing active service. Nearly 7,000 TA soldiers went to Iraq in 2003 as part of Operation Telic, 15710 have been deployed over the last five years and today over 700 are fighting alongside their regular comrades in Afghanistan, Iraq and the Balkans.

MoD: TA100 steams ahead with engine renaming
TA100

Warrant Officer Class 2 Lee Hopkins, Royal Corps of Signals, Staff Sergeant Sharron Elliott of the Intelligence Corps, Corporal Ben Nowak of 45 Commando Royal Marines and Marine Jason Hylton of 539 Assault Squadron Royal Marines were killed on Sunday 12th November 2006 when their patrol boat was hit by an IED planted on a bridge on the Shatt Al-Arab waterway near Basra.

Of WO2 Hopkins his CO said: "WO2 Lee Hopkins was the ultimate professional. Although he arrived in Theatre only five weeks ago, he made an immediate impact. Vastly experienced, he worked tirelessly for his soldiers, encouraging them to succeed. He would always make time to pass on the benefit of his knowledge to the newer members of the unit. He won the respect of all who met him for his leadership, enthusiasm and dedication. Fit and ambitious, he was a shining example to all."

SSgt Elliott's CO said: Staff Sergeant Sharron Elliott lived for her job and was passionate about her work and all that she did. Never afraid to challenge the status-quo, she would always give her opinion. She was fun loving and full of zeal; she always had a smile however difficult the circumstances."
Ben Nowak's CO said: " As a volunteer attached to 539 Assault Squadron Royal Marines for their tour of duty to Iraq his impact was significant. He brought from 45 Commando Royal Marines the highest levels of professionalism, physical fitness and enthusiasm and he had an immediate and lasting impact on all those he served with."
And of Jason Hylton his CO said: "He was a bright, enthusiastic and thoughtful man who always did everything that he could to help his fellow marines. He was well liked by everyone that knew him and shall be remembered above all for his smile; he was a constant source of warmth and happiness. Professionally he was outstanding. He was intelligent, capable and utterly loyal; he clearly had a very promising career ahead of him in the Royal Marines."

MoD Defence News

They shall not grow old as we who are left grow old.
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning,
WE WILL REMEMBER THEM.

Lance Corporal Jake Alderton of 20 Field Squadron, 36 Engineer Regiment was killed in southern Afghanistan on Friday 9th November 2007.
Captain Ed Thompson RE said: "Lance Corporal Alderton was sent to me as an inspiring Lance Corporal with the right character to face the challenges and diversity of working closely with the Afghan Army. Although only recently promoted to Lance Corporal, he was chosen through his own merit to be one of my Section Commanders, a job normally reserved for a full Corporal. He quickly became a great asset within an extremely proud, close knit and professional team."

Lance Corporal Matthew Kemp, 20 Field Squadron, 36 Engineer Regiment, wrote:
Jake was a keen soldier respected by friends and peers.
He loved being in the British Army and part of the Royal Engineers.
Jake made everybody smile whenever he was there.
He was somebody who always listened, someone who always cared.
Jake loved playing poker and usually won,
As much as we hated parting with our cash he always made it fun.
He was very much a social guy and always had friends near.
He enjoyed spending time with his girlfriend and taking the lads out for a beer.
Jake was loved by everyone and shall be missed by us a lot.
Farewell Jake, rest in peace, you will never be forgot.

MoD: Defence News
Gone Too Soon: Jake John Alderton
Lasting Tribute: Jake Alderton
BBC: Dead soldier in Afghanistan named
The Sun: MoD names brave Brit soldier

He may have an artificial leg but Corporal Barry Whale was fighting alongside his mates in the recent Siege of Roshan Tower when 400 Taliban took on 24 Brits.
Cpl Whale of The Princess of Wales’s Royal Regiment had had to fight hard to achieve the level of fitness required for active service in a warzone - a four-year battle of his own.
During the attack his artifical leg came off and had to be tossed over to him. He said: “Everyone thought it was hilarious, but I was gutted."
I don't know about "gutted" but he's certainly got a lot of guts - makes you feel very humble.

An MoD spokesman said last night: “His unwavering commitment to the Army is an example of everything that is great about British troops.”

The Sun: Hop and Glory - One-legged hero is on front line

The Royal Mail has issued a new set of postage stamps to coincide with Remembrance Day; the set is titled "Lest we Forget"


Royal Mail: Lest we Forget

Kingsman Jamie Hancock, aged 19, from The 2nd Battalion, The Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment, was killed in Basra, southern Iraq on Monday 6th November 2006.

His Commanding Officer paid tribute:
"Kingsman Jamie Hancock was a first class soldier, doing a difficult job very well, with good humour and enthusiasm. We are all proud to have known him."

MoD: Defence News

This year's commemorations may be the last time that a major anniversary of the end of the First World War will be marked by men who fought in it. France lost its last soldier from the war in the spring, but three men survive in Britain and all plan to be at the Cenotaph for the ninetieth anniversary. Henry Allingham, 112, Harry Patch, 110, and Bill Stone, 108, will represent the RAF, Army and Royal Navy respectively. All three were born in Queen Victoria’s reign and Mr Allingham can recall the coronation of Edward VII. Two other survivors live in Australia.