This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.
You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/uk/7614517.stm
The article has changed 3 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.
Version 1 | Version 2 |
---|---|
Afghan battle Para a 'role model' | |
(20 minutes later) | |
A British soldier shot dead in a firefight with the Taleban in Afghanistan has been named. | A British soldier shot dead in a firefight with the Taleban in Afghanistan has been named. |
Private Jason Lee Rawstron, from the 2nd Battalion, the Parachute Regiment, died when his patrol encountered Taleban forces in Helmand on Friday. | Private Jason Lee Rawstron, from the 2nd Battalion, the Parachute Regiment, died when his patrol encountered Taleban forces in Helmand on Friday. |
Pte Rawstron, 23, of Clayton-Le-Moors, Lancashire, was remembered by colleagues as a "role model" for others, with a "heart of gold". | |
The number of soldiers killed on operations there since 2001 is 119. | The number of soldiers killed on operations there since 2001 is 119. |
His death came two days after that of bomb disposal expert and father-of-four, Warrant Officer Class 2 Gary O'Donnell, of the Royal Logistic Corps. | |
He had earned a George Medal for bravery in Iraq in 2006 and was widely praised by colleagues for his heroism. | He had earned a George Medal for bravery in Iraq in 2006 and was widely praised by colleagues for his heroism. |
I trusted Sus (Jason) with everything and knew that if I needed him he would be there Colleague Pte Sam Hall | |
Pte Rawstron leaves his parents, brother Graham, and girlfriend Michaela, to whom he was said to be devoted. | |
He joined the army in October 2005 and quickly stood out as a soldier of note, the Ministry of Defence said. | |
After qualifying as a Infantry Assault Engineer in 2007 he was attached to 7 Platoon and sent to Afghanistan. | |
Friends said they remembered Pte Rawstron as a quiet man to whom others looked up. He also had a mischievous side which earned him a nickname of "Suspect" - often shortened to "Sus". | |
'Role model' | |
His platoon commander Lieutenant Murray McMahon said: "He was without a doubt the most loyal and enthusiastic soldier I have ever known. | |
"Jason's determination was unquestionable. His strength of character was shown throughout the tour as he guided fellow comrades through difficult situations with considerable courage. | |
"Jason was all that a paratrooper could be and is a role model for those who will follow." | |
Friend and colleague Pte Simon Brough, said: "Suspect was a character. He would put 110% into everything and always put others before himself. | |
"The keenest lad I have ever met and a heart of gold." | |
Another colleague, Pte Sam Hall, added: "I trusted Sus with everything and knew that if I needed him he would be there. He was a great character within the platoon and the company, he will never be forgotten by anyone." | |
Most of Britain's 8,000 troops in Afghanistan are based in Helmand province. | Most of Britain's 8,000 troops in Afghanistan are based in Helmand province. |