Corporal Harvey Holmes killed in Afghanistan

It is with sadness the Ministry of Defence must confirm the death of Corporal Harvey Alex Holmes, who died in Afghanistan on Sunday 2 May 2010.

Corporal Holmes, of 1st Battalion The Mercian Regiment, attached to 40 Commando Royal Marines Battle Group, was killed in an explosion close to patrol base Waterloo, in Sangin, Helmand Province.


He was providing protection for his patrol as they investigated a compound east of Wishtan, close to Check Point Chakaw, when he died.

A Company is based in the Wishtan area and over the last month has undertaken a number of patrols, partnered with the Afghan National Army and Afghan National Police, to improve security for local Afghans.

Corporal Harvey Holmes

Corporal Holmes was 22 years old and from Hyde, Greater Manchester. He attended Astley High School in Dukinfield and enlisted into the Army in 2004

He trained at the Infantry Training Centre Catterick and posted to The 1st Battalion The 22nd (Cheshire) Regiment in 2005. He previously served on operations in Northern Ireland and Iraq.

Corporal Holmes deployed with A Company, The 1st Battalion The Mercian Regiment (Cheshire), part of the 40 Commando Battle Group, to Sangin in April 2010.

Corporal Holmes was engaged to fiancee Claire. He leaves behind mother Beverley, stepfather David, sister Elizabeth, nephew Nickolas, brother-in-law Andrew and grandparents Jean and Frederick.

He shared his family’s passion for narrow boats, and before joining the Army was a keen member of the Scout Association.

Corporal Holmes' family said:

"Harvey lived for his family and his friends but his passion was the Army.

"He has made his family extremely proud for the sacrifice he has made and will be missed every day. Harvey has died a true hero and will be with us forever in our hearts."

Lieutenant Colonel Andrew Hadfield, Commanding Officer 1st Battalion The Mercian Regiment (Cheshire) said:

"Corporal Harvey Alex Holmes, known as 'Holmesy' to his many friends within the Regiment, was a fine soldier, every inch the Mercian Infantryman.

"He showed true promise and had a great future, but this has been cruelly stolen from him, his family, his girlfriend and his many friends. In his 5 years with the First Battalion he had passed some of the most arduous courses on offer, and served in Northern Ireland, Belize, the Falkland Islands and Iraq.

"He had been promoted twice in quick succession, most recently to corporal just last Christmas. He was an exceptional leader and commander, and helped others to give of their best.

"He was without doubt one of the very best, and will be remembered by all of us who are left. But there is a new star in the sky tonight – it is a bright, enduring one that should inspire all of us as we remember Harvey’s selfless courage, humour in the face of adversity and total commitment to his friends and his Regiment.

"He died doing what he loved amongst his friends from A and Support Companies.

"We will remember him as the Cheshire Oak that he was, standing firm always, and striking hard only to save others who were in trouble.

"He was the epitome of the modern British soldier and we will miss him deeply. Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this most difficult of times."