Monday, May 3, 2010

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."

16 comments:

  1. OUR THOUGHTS MUST GO OUT TO THE FAMILY AND RELATIVES OF THIS BRAVE YOUNG MAN GOD BLESS.

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  2. Harvey We will always miss you forever in our hearts! a true hero xxxx

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  3. I went to primary school with Harvey and im very sorry to hear about his death. I was only just thinking about Harvey the other day after I start a job at are old primary school. I was woundering if he full filled his dreams and joining the army. I am truly sorry and I send my love to all his family and friends.
    Sleep well mate. you will be missed xXx Samantha B

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  4. May you, Corporal Harvey Holmes now R.I.P: Prayers and thoughts are with your family, friends and colleagues.

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  5. Our thoughts are with harvey's family,friends,and comrades. R.I.P you hero
    mum of a royal marine.

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  6. R.I.P Harvey, you will be missed by everyone, we will see you when you get home soon and give you the send off you deserve. you are a true hero. Danny c

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  7. John(grandad) from ScoutsMay 4, 2010 at 1:35 PM

    Harvey, from one squaddie to another we are all proud of you. May you rest in peace.
    God Bless

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  8. linzi (assistant beaver leader and scout group helper)May 5, 2010 at 1:02 AM

    harvey xx u were always a gent xx from cub to scout to young man n soldier xx a real gem has been lost and will be truely missed xx R.I.P sweet dreams hun x such a genuine fella xx cant believe it xx im proud to say i knew u xxx

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  9. Aaron Ellis (Eli)May 9, 2010 at 10:58 PM

    R.I.P Matie we will all miss you.
    you were a cracking lad and mate and even more a brillient soilder and my love goes out to your family God Bless you mate.
    From aaron ellis (Eli)

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  10. Talking to your mum last night harvy, Everybody is so proud of you and will always miss and remember you. I will see you in church tomorrow x Hope you are at piece and with your dad once again x R.I.P Harvey.

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  11. R.I.P Harvey my thoughts are with your family and friends.good night and god bless xx

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  12. Today i came to Hyde to pay my greatest respects
    to a brave young man. Although i didnt know you personally, i wanted to thank you and say goodbye, as did the people of Hyde. You made us all so proud. Thank You.
    God Bless,
    Not gone, just gone on ahead.

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  13. joanne(school frıend)June 2, 2010 at 10:58 PM

    You wıll be remembered dearly. my thoughts go to your famıly and frıends. r.ı.p. you are the hero of astley sports college. dukınfıeld. god bless.

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  14. i remember you being at my house and i made bacon butties for you and my brother, then you drove us to Manchester and we went for a beer. You will be missed soo much! with so much love xxx
    -jess gordon (flash's sister)

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  15. rip harvey everyone at astley thought of you today xxxxxxxxx

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