Royal Marine shot dead in Afghanistan

Soldier from 42 Commando Royal Marines died on patrol in Helmand, bringing toll among UK soldiers in Afghanistan to 370 A Royal Marine has been shot dead in Afghanistan as colleagues paid tribute to another serviceman who was killed “putting up a fight” against the enemy. The Royal Marine, from 42 Commando Royal Marines, was shot and killed on Sunday morning while on patrol in the Nahr-e-Saraj area of Helmand province. His next of kin have been informed. His death came two days after Corporal Michael Pike, 26, from Huntly, Aberdeenshire, was killed in the Lashkar Gah area after his patrol came under attack by insurgents armed with guns and rocket propelled grenades. A spokesman for Task Force Helmand, Lieutenant Colonel Tim Purbrick, said: “It is with great sadness that I have to announce the death of a Royal Marine from 42 Commando Royal Marines. “He was on joint patrol to meet local people and to disrupt insurgent activity in the Adensee area of Nahr-e-Saraj district in Helmand province when he was fatally wounded by small arms fire this morning. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends.” The latest incident brings the total number of UK military personnel who have died since operations in Afghanistan began in 2001 to 370. Pike’s colleagues, from 4th Battalion, the Royal Regiment of Scotland, said his quick reactions as he returned fire at the enemy saved lives. They described the father of two as the “epitome of a Highland soldier” who would not have wanted the other men to dwell on his loss. Pike, described as a “loving and caring family man”, leaves behind his wife, Ida, and two children, Joshua and Evelynn. His wife said: “My husband would want everybody to know that he died doing a job he loved and that he loved our children with all his heart and soul.” Pike, second in command of 2 platoon, A Company, based at Check Point Pegasus, was on his second tour of Afghanistan. He was leading the patrol in the area of Pupalzay along Highway 601 when it came under attack. He fired back on the enemy and his colleagues praised his quick reactions, which allowed them time to move out of danger. His platoon said in a joint statement: “He passed away doing the job he loved but he didn’t go down without putting up a fight. “He was suppressing the enemy in order to cover the lead wagon, the ground call sign and to allow other call signs to manoeuvre out of immediate danger.” Lieutenant Robert Grant, 2 Platoon commander, A Company, said: “The loss of Corporal Pike, one of the funniest, most life affirming and professionally diligent men I have ever had the privilege to meet, strikes deep into the heart and soul of all those who knew him. “An exceptional soldier and inspirational leader, Corporal Pike will be forever missed.” Afghanistan Military guardian.co.uk

Posted by on June 5, 2011. Filed under News, Politics, World News. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.