Lance Corporal Tommy Brown killed in Afghanistan

It is with sadness that the Ministry of Defence must confirm that Lance Corporal Tommy Brown from The Parachute Regiment was killed in Afghanistan on Tuesday 22 December 2009.

Lance Corporal Brown died as a result of a suspected Improvised Explosive Device while on a foot patrol about 1km south of Sangin, central Helmand Province, Tuesday afternoon.

Lance Corporal Tommy Brown was a dynamic, optimistic and talented soldier and sportsman for whom no challenge was too great.

He relished responsibility, and was never found wanting. In all that he did, he displayed the easy confidence of a natural leader.

He was enthused by soldiering and proved time and again able to inspire those he commanded to emulate his own rigorous professional standards.

His cheeky grin and easy wit were never far from the surface, especially when things were tough. He died as he lived, leading from the front; the only place that someone like Tommy knew.

A spokesman for the regiment said:

“He gave his life for his comrades and the Parachute Regiment, both of which meant so much to him. His passing is a sad day for us, but every member of the Unit is privileged to have known such a likeable, grounded and utterly professional man. We are deeply honoured to have served alongside him.

"Our thoughts and prayers now turn to his family and friends at this most difficult time. We hope that in the midst of their profound loss, they can draw strength from the fond memories that we all share of this fine man.”

Corporal John Harrison, The Parachute Regiment, killed in Afghanistan

It is with deep sadness that the Ministry of Defence confirms that Corporal John Harrison from The Parachute Regiment was killed in Afghanistan in the early hours of Wednesday 9 September 2009.

Corporal Harrison, aged 29, was part of an operation to free hostages from Taliban captivity. Stephen Farrell, a journalist of dual British/Irish nationality, was freed in the operation, which was supported by the Afghan authorities and our NATO allies. Sadly, it was not possible to rescue Mr Farrell's Afghan interpreter, Sultan Munadi.

The Harrison family made the following tribute:

"We are absolutely heartbroken. John was a wonderful son, brother and a dedicated soldier who was greatly loved and cherished by all his family and friends."

Corporal John Harrison's Commanding Officer said:

"Corporal John Harrison was an immensely capable, self-effacing and highly likeable soldier with an irrepressible humour. His hallmark was an undemonstrative, yet profound, professionalism; he cared deeply about his work, and more deeply still about those he commanded and served alongside. He was an unflinching and inspirational man with a deep, deep pool of courage, who died as he lived, at the forefront of his men.

"He gave his life for his comrades and The Parachute Regiment, both of which meant so much to him. Although his passing is a sad day for us, every member of the Unit counts themselves privileged to have known such a tower of strength and we all are deeply honoured to have served alongside him.

"Our thoughts and prayers now turn to his family and friends at this most difficult time. We hope that in the midst of their profound loss, they can draw strength from the fond memories that we all share of this remarkable man."

Defence Secretary Bob Ainsworth said:

"Corporal John Harrison put his life on the line to rescue others. He made the ultimate sacrifice and acted heroically in the face of great danger, in the best tradition of the British Armed Forces and in full knowledge of the risks he faced. My thoughts are with his family, friends and comrades at this difficult time."

Corporal Stephen Bolger killed in Afghanistan

It is with great sadness that the Ministry of Defence must announce that Corporal Stephen Bolger from The Parachute Regiment was killed in Afghanistan on Saturday 30 May 2009.

Corporal Bolger's family have released the following statement:
"Stephen was a wonderful first born son, brother to two and friend to many; he was dearly loved and will be sorely missed. Stephen was always happy, caring and generous and we are sure that those fortunate enough to have known him will share in the loss we are now feeling.

"We can take some comfort knowing that he died amongst friends, doing something he loved and believed in. We are all immensely proud of him.

"We would ask that the press respect our need to grieve in private at this difficult time."
His Commanding Officer said:

"Stephen was, quite simply, an extraordinary man doing an extraordinary job. He embodied a life based on service to others, duty and self-sacrifice - the life of a soldier. He chose this life and lived it with a passion; he died prematurely, but he died doing what he loved.

"He gave his all for his friends, for The Parachute Regiment and for the difficult task he faced. How privileged we are to have known this courageous and talented soldier and every member of the unit is very proud and deeply honoured to have served alongside him.

"We think now about his family; our thoughts and prayers are with them, and in the silence of their lives we hope they will draw strength from the same memories we all share."