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Soldier killed in Helmand named | Soldier killed in Helmand named |
(40 minutes later) | |
The British soldier killed in Afghanistan on Friday has been named as Private Chris Gray, of the 1st Battalion Royal Anglian regiment. | The British soldier killed in Afghanistan on Friday has been named as Private Chris Gray, of the 1st Battalion Royal Anglian regiment. |
The 19-year-old from Leicester was on a routine patrol in Helmand province when he came under small arms fire. | The 19-year-old from Leicester was on a routine patrol in Helmand province when he came under small arms fire. |
The Ministry of Defence said it took place after troops challenged a Taleban team trying to set up an ambush. | The Ministry of Defence said it took place after troops challenged a Taleban team trying to set up an ambush. |
Lt Col Stuart Carver said Pte Gray had died "selflessly striving to relieve comrades in extreme danger". | |
Pte Gray joined the British Army just over a year ago, and had been based near the town of Now Zad, in north-west Helmand province, southern Afghanistan. | |
The MoD said a number of soldiers were in a "fierce firefight" at a range of just 15 metres, in which a small number of Taleban were killed and Pte Gray was shot. | The MoD said a number of soldiers were in a "fierce firefight" at a range of just 15 metres, in which a small number of Taleban were killed and Pte Gray was shot. |
He loved the job more than anyone and died doing what he loved Private Matt Duffy | |
He was airlifted to the main British base at Camp Bastion, but was pronounced dead on arrival. | He was airlifted to the main British base at Camp Bastion, but was pronounced dead on arrival. |
His company commander, Major Dom Biddick MBE, said Pte Gray was passionate about his job and showed leadership potential. | |
"Grayman, as he was known to his friends, was a young man with a big heart and a calm, generous and immensely trustworthy personality." | |
His friend, Private Matt Duffy, also in the regiment known as the Vikings, described his as "an awesome soldier and a better mate". | |
"He loved the job more than anyone and died doing what he loved." | |
In a statement, Pte Gray's family said: "He was a much loved and cherished son, grandson and brother, who was proud to serve his country. He will always be missed." | In a statement, Pte Gray's family said: "He was a much loved and cherished son, grandson and brother, who was proud to serve his country. He will always be missed." |
Defence Secretary Des Browne said his thoughts were with Pte Gray's family. | |
His death took the number of UK troops killed in operations in Afghanistan since 2001 to 53. |
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