Kingsman Sean Dawson killed in Afghanistan

It is with deepest regret that the Ministry of Defence must confirm the death of Kingsman Sean Dawson of 2nd Battalion The Duke of Lancaster's Regiment (2 LANCS) in southern Afghanistan on Sunday, 14 February 2010.Kingsman Dawson was part of a ambush set up by Battle Group North West approximately 300 metres north-west of Patrol Base Minden. The ambush engaged suspected insurgents with small arms fire. During the resulting contact Kingsman Dawson suffered a gunshot wound and was killed.

Kingsman Sean Dawson, 2nd Battalion The Duke of Lancaster's Regiment

Kingsman Sean Dawson was born in Ashton-Under-Lyne, Manchester on 28th December 1990. He attended the Army Training Regiment Bassingbourne, before completing his basic training at the Infantry Training Centre Catterick in August 2008.

He joined the 2nd Battalion, The Duke of Lancaster's Regiment 'Lions of England' in September 2008 and served in Catterick and Cyprus.

The Battalion is based in Episkopi in Cyprus and is undertaking the Theatre Reserve Battalion role. It provides acclimatised soldiers for reinforcement of UK operations and has been deployed in Afghanistan continually since August 2009.

Kingsman Sean Dawson deployed with Chindit Company, in support of the Household Cavalry Regiment Battle Group in the Battle Group North West area of operations. He was based at Patrol Base Minden approximately 7km to the south of Musa Qala.

He was employed as a Sharpshooter within a Sniper pair and was responsible for identifying and engaging insurgents that posed a threat to both Afghan and British soldiers as well as Afghan locals.

This work was often done at long ranges and demanded judgement, patience and excellent marksmanship, all qualities he held in spades.

Kingsman Sean Dawson leaves behind his father Sean, his mother Karen, his brothers Jack and James and sisters Anna, Danielle and Summer, and his girlfriend Sadie.His father, Mr Sean Dawson, paid the following tribute on behalf of the family:

"Even as young as six Sean wanted to join the Army and later joined the local Army Cadet Force in Stalybridge becoming a Cadet Sergeant before joining the regular Army. He loved everything about the Army – it was his life.

"Before he went to Afghanistan he took part in the Battalion Boxing Championships in Cyprus and won the Light Welterweight title as well as the prize for the 'Most Courageous Fighter' – that was Sean. He believed in everything he was doing in Afghanistan and even though he was apprehensive, he couldn't wait to get out there.

"He was a normal young man who enjoyed a pint with his mates and spending time with the younger members of the family. He was kind-hearted and thought about everyone before himself.

"I cannot put into words the hole he is going to leave behind in the lives of everyone who knew him. His immediate family and girlfriend Sadie loved him dearly and he will always be in our hearts."