They were killed, while serving as part of the Household Cavalry Regiment Battle Group, as a result of an explosion which occurred in an area approximately 20km north of Musa Qal'ah district centre, Helmand province.
At the time of their deaths Lance Corporal Hardy and Private Grigg were on an operation inserted deep into Taliban territory, attacking the insurgents where they least expected it.
Lance Corporal Scott Hardy
Lance Corporal Scott Hardy, aged 26, was born and raised in Chelmsford. A bricklayer before joining the Army, he excelled at the Infantry Training Centre, Catterick. He passed out of training in May 2007 and deployed to Afghanistan on Operation HERRICK 6 only three weeks later.
His age and maturity showed in Afghanistan and he was identified as a soldier with the potential to become a Junior Non-Commissioned Officer. He passed his Leadership Course in the winter of 2008 and was promoted shortly after.
His performance on this course was indicative of the man. In the swirling snow and sub-zero conditions and after four-and-a-half hours of tabbing up mountains he was still there, plugging away with a grim smile on his face. He soaked hardship up and got on with the job.
Lance Corporal Hardy arrived in Afghanistan on 19 October 2009 and was employed as a Section Second in Command in 3 Platoon of A (Norfolk) Company.
Lance Corporal Hardy's family and girlfriend made the following statement:
"Lance Corporal Scott Hardy was a proud professional soldier who courageously gave his life for his Country in Helmand Province.
"He had previously served there in 2007. As an infantryman he brought a passionate enthusiasm to the job of Section Commander. Having already promoted quickly, attendance on his next promotion course had been planned for return from Afghanistan.
"Possessing great inner strength and a powerful personality, Scott could be relied upon, even in the worst of situations, to lift his mens' morale. They loved him - he loved them.
"Whilst being a highly competitive man, his role as a dearly loved son, brother, uncle and partner, developed his gift for attentiveness towards those around him. His young nephews and nieces agreed that his presence, 'brightened a room'.
"His father, brother, sisters and childhood sweetheart, Charlene, feel words fail to express the sorrow only a heart-broken family knows.
"To lose Scott, is to lose a huge part of life itself. But he will always be with us, making us smile, giving us pride and gratitude. We also wish to remember his Viking comrades with heartfelt sympathy. Rest in peace valiant friend."
Private James Grigg
Private James Grigg was born in Hartismere, Suffolk in January 1989. It was at his local school where he developed his first passion in life - the glorious game of cricket. After he left the school he continued to coach their team.
It was only later, once he had passed out of training at the Infantry Training Centre Catterick, that he developed his twin passion - being a 'Viking'.
Private James Grigg was utterly loyal to The Regiment. He had only been in the Battalion just over a year when he deployed with 'The Vikings' to Afghanistan where he served in A (Norfolk) Company.
Lieutenant Colonel James Woodham, Commanding Officer, 1st Battalion The Royal Anglian Regiment said:
"It is a grim day in the Battalion's life when we mourn the loss of two of our fine young men. Private James Grigg was killed whilst taking part in an Operation to rid the Taliban from an area to the North of Musa Qal'ah.
"He was killed by an insurgent laid IED; a cowardly tactic in a campaign which seeks to destroy peace and progress in Afghanistan. James and the other soldiers of A (Norfolk) Company have made huge strides in delivering security in Musa Qal'ah - whilst his death hits us hard, we remain resolute in our determination to complete our mission.
"James came across to most as a quiet man who kept himself to himself, but engage him on the subject of cricket and you would unlock him. He was simply fanatical about the game and a great all-round player.
"When he stepped up to bowl, you just knew he would start taking wickets. It was once suggested to me that I should commission him for a day, to join us in the annual Officers' v Warrant Officers and Sergeants' Mess cricket match.
"But he was passionate about soldiering too; he thought himself lucky to have found a job where he could combine the two things that he loved so much. In turn, we think ourselves lucky to have worked alongside him.
"Friendly, polite and endlessly helpful, he was a real team player that you would want to have on your team. He was reliable - a man you could trust.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with James' parents and sister at this tragic time. His brother 'Vikings' and the Regimental family share their pain. Together we will ensure he will never be forgotten."
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My condolences to the unit, and to the family and friends. They are in a better place now, and rather than being sad that they died, we should be happy that such men lived.
ReplyDeleteDeepest sympathy to these brave hero's families, friends and colleagues - may they now R.I.P.
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