Corporal Lee Scott of 2RTR killed in Afghanistan

It is with deep regret that the Ministry of Defence confirms the death of Corporal Lee Scott of The 2nd Royal Tank Regiment, who was killed in Afghanistan on 10 July 2009.

Corporal Lee Scott, 26, of The 2nd Royal Tank Regiment was killed during an explosion while taking part in Operation Panther’s Claw, just north of Nad Ali, Helmand Province, on the morning of Friday 10 July 2009.

Corporal Scott was born in Ely and grew up in Kings Lynn, where he married Nicola (Nikki) in February 2008.

Nikki Scott, Lee’s wife:

"Lee was not only my husband but my best friend, ask anyone who was lucky enough to have met Lee and they'd all tell you the same, he was the most loving, kindest, thoughtful person you could ever meet.

"He was so full of life and permanently had a cheeky grin on his face. I am so proud to be his wife. As well as the army, his family were his life.

"He was the best daddy to Kai and Brooke and he will live on through them. Lee will always be in our thoughts and hearts and greatly missed by his Dad, Mum, Kelly, Dean and Denise. This is a devastating loss to the whole family."

Major Charlie Burbridge, EGYPT Squadron Leader said:

"Corporal 'Scotty' Scott died, whilst leading his section of Viking vehicles from the front. He was a true Tankie, a highly experienced combat soldier and was always willing to have a go. He was charismatic, inspirational and hugely popular with everyone in my squadron. He was an instinctive soldier who had a keen and canny tactical brain. This led to me taking a chance and sending him on the Challenger 2 Crew Commander's Course several years earlier than he otherwise would. He passed the course easily and proved to be a very effective Troop Corporal in just five years after joining the 2nd Tanks.

"Scotty was a central figure in my squadron; fun loving, thoughtful, honest and effective. He was part of a very close band of NCOs in EGYPT and was usually at the centre of any mischief. This trait contributed to his operational excellence. In short, he was the perfect soldier both in the field and at home. He was a loving family man whose devotion to his wife and children was obvious. They were the most important part of his life and always placed them before his career. Our prayers are for them; Nicola, Kai and Brooke."

His Troop said:

"Corporal Lee Scott met his death leading his Troop from the front as he insisted he always did. He was fully aware of the dangers this entailed, but it was a mark of the man that he wouldn’t ask anyone to do a job that he wouldn’t do himself. Lee did not regard this as a brave act, but would claim that he only wanted to keep the dust out of his eyes.

"Lee was a fast rising star in the Regiment, born out by his rapid rise through the ranks. Lee was not just an excellent combat soldier but also found himself time to become a qualified freefall parachutist and coastal day skipper.

"To say that Lee was a character would be an understatement. To say that he was a legend would also be an understatement... according to Lee anyway. He was undefeated in the troop Scrabble tournament. Lee was a soldier’s soldier and as such, was always the first to come up with labour saving grand ideas. Such ideas were required in order to ensure Lee’s need for sleep. He was perhaps the only man in Afghanistan who could sleep through the midday sun without even sweating.

"In life Lee was unforgettable, in death never forgotten."