It is with regret that the Ministry of Defence must confirm the deaths of Corporal Terry Webster and Lance Corporal Alan Cochran, both of 1st Battalion The Mercian Regiment (Cheshire) B (Malta) Company attached to 1st Battalion The Royal Gurkha Rifles Battlegroup, who were killed in Afghanistan on Friday 4th June 2010.
Corporal Terry Webster pictured with his daughter Jess and Lance Corporal Alan Cochran both of 1st Battalion The Mercian Regiment (Cheshire) B (Malta) CompanyCorporal Terry Webster and Lance Corporal Alan Cochran deployed with B (Malta) Company, 1st Battalion The Mercian Regiment (Cheshire), part of the 1st Battalion The Royal Gurkha Rifles Battlegroup, which forms the Combined Force Nahr-e Saraj (South) area of Helmand Province in March 2010.
B (Malta) Company had been providing much needed security and stability to the local population in the area through a mixture of joint patrols and operations with the Afghan National Security Forces.
They have improved the quality of the lives of hundreds of local nationals around the villages of Nahr-e Saraj by providing reassurance to the Afghans and improving local freedom of movement to promote Afghan economic development.
It was during a foot patrol aimed at dominating the ground around a known enemy movement corridor that Lance Corporal Alan Cochran was killed in action during an exchange of fire with insurgent forces.
Corporal Terry Webster was also injured, sustaining a gunshot wound. Despite immediate first aid, he later died of his injuries in the medical facility at Kandahar.
Corporal Terry Lee Webster
Corporal Terry Webster was 24 years old and born in Chester. He enlisted into the Army in 2002 and joined the Corps of Royal Signals in 2003. He transferred to the 1st Battalion The 22nd (Cheshire) Regiment in February 2006. He had previously served on operations in Northern Ireland and Iraq.
Cpl Webster's wife Charlotte, and his children Jess and Liam said:
"Tez was passionate, loyal and determined. He enjoyed the role he had in the Mercians but he was a family man at heart. He was a fantastic Dad to Jess and Liam and he was the perfect soul mate to me. Although this is a very sad time, Tez would want us to be positive. Remember the good times, the happy times. A lot of people's lives will be deeply affected by Tez's all too early departure. Life will never be the same for us."
Cpl Webster's Mum, stepdad Andre and sister Tiggy said:
"Our Darling Son. Terry 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. Terry has died a true hero and will be with us forever in our hearts. Love you loads."
Cpl Webster's wider family said:
"We are heartbroken by the tragic loss of our beloved Terry. He was such a caring young man who always put his family first. He touched the lives of all who had the privilege to know him. He died doing the job he loved. His dedication and professionalism will remain an inspiration to all."
Lieutenant Colonel Andrew Hadfield, Commanding Officer 1st Battalion The Mercian Regiment (Cheshire) said:
"On the 4th of June, during an incident in the Nahr-e Saraj area of Helmand Province, Corporal Terry Webster was fatally wounded whilst leading his men. Despite fighting for his life for a number of hours, and receiving the best medical care, he eventually succumbed to his injuries. Terry Webster transferred into the 1st Battalion, The 22nd (Cheshire) Regiment from the Royal Signals in 2006, wanting to serve with his local County Regiment and get closer to the action.
"He quickly proved himself to be a highly capable Infantry soldier and commander; possessing great determination and character and always leading from the front. Terry was totally committed to his profession and he was forging a strong career path: when others played football, he would put on his combats, boots and webbing and pound out the miles, encouraging others to come along with him.
"He died doing what he joined for and what he was so good at, leading his men in battle. Away from work, Terry will also be remembered for his great sense of humour and comradeship. He was a devoted father to Jessica and Liam, and talked endlessly about them. Our loss is as nothing compared to theirs, and our thoughts are with them, and all of his family and friends."
Lieutenant Colonel Gerald Strickland MBE, Commanding Officer 1St Battalion The Royal Gurkha Rifles Battlegroup, Combine Force Nahr-e Saraj (South) said:
"The loss of Corporal Terry Webster is felt deeply across the battlegroup. He died doing what he had been doing since the start of the tour – leading and inspiring his men in the daily battle for control of a highly volatile area.
"He faced daily threats with courage and humour and his contribution to his multiple, his company and his battlegroup was immense. He showed courage and determination on every single day of his time with us here in Afghanistan. To me, he embodied the spirit of pride and professionalism that is a mark of the Mercian Regiment, and I am proud to have had the privilege to have served with him."
Lance Corporal Alan David Cochran
Lance Corporal Alan Cochran was 23 years old and born in St Asaph, North Wales. He enlisted into the Army in 2006, was trained at the Infantry Training Centre, Catterick and posted to the 1st Battalion The 22nd (Cheshire) Regiment in 2007. He had previously served in Northern Ireland and on operations in Iraq.
LCpl Cochran's mother Mrs Shirley Jane Cochran & family said:
"Alan was a tremendous son. He was proud to be a soldier and died doing a job he loved. We are devastated by the loss of Alan who was a loving son, grand son and brother. We are proud of the fact that Alan was prepared to do his duty helping the people of Afghanistan."
LCpl Cochran's fiancée Claire Brookshaw said:
"I have known Alan for over 2 years. He was a fantastic fiancé. He has been a great part of my life and always will be. Sadly missed but never forgotten. Rest in peace Darlin, Love you always and forever."
LCpl Cochran's fiancée's parents Carol and Tony Lewis & family said:
"We have known Alan for 2 years. He was a very special individual and would have made a wonderful son in law. Sadly missed, sleep tight."
Lieutenant Colonel Andrew Hadfield, Commanding Officer 1st Battalion The Mercian Regiment (Cheshire) said:
"Lance Corporal Alan Cochran, known to his friends in the Battalion as ‘Cockers', or ‘The Colonel', was serving with B Company when he died. He joined the 1st Battalion the 22nd (Cheshire) Regiment in 2007, and quickly established a reputation as a strong and committed Infantry soldier.
"It is no surprise to anyone who knew him that he was to the front when his patrol came into contact and, as was always his way, he was committed to the safety of others to the end. Alan had been in the Army for four years and had served in Northern Ireland, Iraq and Kenya prior to deploying to Afghanistan with the Battalion.
"A committed career soldier Alan loved the Army and his friends within it, and was probably the most selfless of men, always looking out for others and helping them to give their best. His friends described him as having a heart of gold, being totally unselfish, and having the worst dress sense in the Battalion.
"He had recently promoted to Lance Corporal following completion of a demanding qualification course conducted in the harsh British winter. When I gave him his chevron and asked him if he was ready to take responsibility for the lives of his fellow men, he looked me straight in the eye and answered ‘yes'. And he did, right up until the very last.
"There is no doubt that Alan had a successful career ahead of him, as a soldier and as a leader. He will be much missed by his friends and he has left a hole that will never be filled. He was engaged to be married to Claire, the sister of one of his friends in B Company, and our thoughts are with her, his mother Shirley and all his family and friends at this most difficult time."
Lieutenant Colonel Gerald Strickland MBE, Commanding Officer The 1st Battalion The Royal Gurkha Rifles Battlegroup, Combined Force NAHR-E SARAJ (SOUTH) said:
"Lance Corporal Alan Cochran was a tower of strength in a company notable for its courage, commitment and close bonds of friendship. He died leading his men in battle, from the front. His loss is felt deeply across the battlegroup.
"He rose to every demand placed on him in this difficult operation, stepping out of his base daily with the quiet confidence that so effectively inspires others.
"It was an honour to have served with him, and the reputation of his fine Regiment has been raised one notch higher by his example of personal commitment, bravery and sacrifice. We all mourn his loss."
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