Lance Corporal David Leslie Kirkness
3 RIFLES Reconnaissance Platoon

It is with great regret that the Ministry of Defence must confirm that Lance Corporal David Leslie Kirkness  from the 3 RIFLES Reconnaissance Platoon, waskilled in Afghanistan on Tuesday 15 December 2009.

He was killed following a suicide improvised explosive device blast on a route into central Sangin, northern Helmand, Afghanistan.At the time his platoon was manning a vehicle checkpoint alongside an Afghan National Army section in order to provide reassurance and security to the local population.

Lance Corporal Kirkness was born in Wakefield, West Yorkshire, on 11 December 1985.

He was an air conditioning engineer before joining the Army and following training at the Infantry Training Centre, Catterick, he joined 3 RIFLES in Edinburgh in March 2004. He attended the Junior Non Commissioned Officers' Cadre in 2005 and was promoted Lance Corporal in March 2006.

He completed a Close Protection course in 2008 and, earlier this year, a two month course to learn Pashtu, the native tongue in much of Helmand Province.

He completed the highly demanding two month sniper course before deploying to Afghanistan with the 3 RIFLES Battle Group in October and has since been a key part of the numerous patrols and operations that are bringing security and prosperity to the population of Sangin.

Lieutenant Colonel Nick Kitson, Commanding Officer 3 RIFLES Battle Group said:
"Lance Corporal Kirkness was a Rifleman of the highest standard, talented, highly motivated and with boundless energy. He was a first class leader, one who put the thoughts and needs of his men first.

"To the younger Riflemen he gave inspiration and guidance, earning their respect and instilling in them the confidence and understanding to guide them through their current challenges. He balanced courage and grit with compassion and consideration, winning trust, admiration and friendship wherever he went.

"Tragic as his loss is, we take comfort and pride from the fact that he and the soldiers who died with him, both Afghan and British, averted a much larger tragedy.

"Their sacrifice prevented two suicide bombers from reaching their intended target, the bustling and ever more prosperous Sangin Bazaar, packed with local Afghans going about their daily business.

"The Battle Group has lost a talented young leader at the heart of the fight and we of The Rifles have lost a brother. He died doing a job for which he was the keenest of volunteers; a job he loved and for which he was made.

"His memory, commitment and selflessness will be for ever revered. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends; we all have much of which we can be truly proud."

Major James Richardson, Officer Commanding B Company 3 RIFLES said:
"The death of Lance Corporal Kirkness is a terrible blow to our Company Group and to the Recce Platoon in particular.

"He was a multi-talented Rifleman - recce soldier, badged sniper, Pashtu speaker - typical of the flexibility and quality we seek in our best people. He was a core member of the tight-knit gang that the Recce platoon is.

"He featured strongly in the future plans of the platoon because he was integral to the way the platoon ran and operated - quietly professional, undoubtedly capable, experienced, level-headed and driven by a desire to see things done properly rather than through any ambition.

"He was always at the centre of things, not because he craved attention or the limelight, but because people naturally gathered around him such was his warmth. I suspect he was something of a father figure to some of the Riflemen.

"He had a massive heart which was all too often worn on his sleeve and, perhaps unusually for someone in his profession, was never afraid to show his emotions.

"His death has hit us all hard, for the hole that his personality has left cannot truly be filled. That said; our thoughts are with his family who will feel his loss even more keenly than we do."

Warrant Officer Class 2 Paul Kelly, Company Serjeant Major B Company 3 RIFLES said:
"I have known Lance Corporal 'Kirky' Kirkness ever since he joined the battalion nearly seven years ago. He was a trained sniper and a Pashto speaker and held a vital role within his section. He was a professional young man with a clear career path in which he would have excelled.

"His love for rugby and football was a source of banter within his platoon, and he always struck me as a larger than life character. He will be irreplaceable among his peers and his mates. Kirky was not only a Rifleman but a son, brother and father and at this difficult time our thoughts are with his family."

Colour Serjeant Paul Lucke, Recce Platoon Commander 3 RIFLES said:
"Lance Corporal Kirkness (Kirky) to everyone who knew him, was one of my Section 2ICs but, more importantly, I truly counted him as a friend, someone even I would seek advice from. People talk about someone being the life and soul of a party. Well Kirky was the life and soul of Recce platoon.

"Also a qualified sniper he excelled during his time here, hoping to bring peace and stability to Afghanistan. He even volunteered to complete a three-month language course just so he could interact with the local population and talk freely to them, which he did every hour of every day.

"You could not ask more from anyone within the platoon, he delivered. My thoughts remain with his family at this difficult time. There is always a standing joke with the Rifle Platoons that the Reconnaissance symbol is a Christmas tree, well if this is true Kirky would be the star on top, shining bright forever."

Serjeant Slater, Recce Platoon Serjeant said:
"Kirky was a soldier of excellence, a future star of the Battalion, a practical joker in the best possible sense. You were the life and soul of the party.

"He made Recce Platoon the Platoon it is today, he was a vital member of the Platoon; loved by all. Kirky was professional at all times. You were also a friend which I could talk to any time. A hole in our hearts will never be filled. Best Friend."

Corporal Richard Green, 1 Section Commander said:
"A true friend and a hero is how I remember Kirky. A born joker one minute, but the most serious and diligent soldier I have had the honour to serve with. Nothing would be too much for him, from patrolling the areas of Afghanistan to relaxing with a beer back in Edinburgh.

"A natural character he belonged in Recce 'it was the way he did business' he used to say. He will be sorely missed by us all, more so me. My thoughts go out to his family especially his younger brother at this difficult time."

Lance Corporal Cove, 2 Section Commander, said:
"Lance Corporal Kirkness was a true friend to the platoon and to me. It will not be the same without him, he was a really funny lad and the life and soul of the platoon, he loved his job so much - it was one of the things he would always say: he was the man who you would look up to as he was so good at what he did and just seemed to know everything about the Army.

"I know that he will never be forgotten. He loved his family and Recce Platoon so much, as we all did him and always will. My thoughts are now with all of his family. Goodbye mate. True to the platoon motto - 'We lead, you follow'."

Lance Corporal Cook, Recce Platoon, said:
"David, Kirky, or known in the Pl as the BUSH-PIG for his outrageous snoring, was a close mate and was liked by everyone who met him. I've worked with him since he joined Battalion, first B Coy, then Recce Pl.

"In all his work, and everything he put his mind to, he did it with diligence and complete determination. Even when he commanded his men he always led by example and from the front.

"He was the practical joker and always had the lads in hysterics and laughter. Within the platoon, there is now a gap, as there is in my heart where he will never be forgotten! My thoughts go out to his family, mum, dad, brother, girlfriend and daughter. Good bye mate: 'We lead, you follow'."

Rifleman Humphrey-Lomberg, Recce Platoon said:
"Kirky, as he was known, was a good commander and a friend. I had the privilege of working with him since I have been in Recce. He was liked by everyone in the Platoon and throughout the Battalion.

"He always had time for people and if he could help he would. Always helping new lads fitting in anyway he could. There is no other way I can say this: you will be missed like mad.

"My thoughts go out to your family. For family and friends the ones we care about and the ones we lose. 'We lead you follow'. Goodbye mate - missing you already."

1st Battalion Coldstream Guards

Lieutenant Douglas "Dougie" Dalzell joined the Army in 2007, commissioning into the 1st Battalion Coldstream Guards in December of that year. After passing the Platoon Commanders' Battle Course in April 2008 he arrived in the Battalion, which had just returned from Operation HERRICK 7. He took over his first Platoon in Number 3 Company and quickly established himself as an extremely capable young officer.

As a Platoon Commander based in Windsor, life is busy with the full spectrum of State Ceremonial occasions and Public Duties. Lieutenant Dalzell rose to the task with a commendably positive attitude; his leadership and drive kept his Platoon motivated and focused on the challenges of the tour in Afghanistan.

He engaged fully in preparing for the multifaceted demands an operational deployment to Afghanistan generates. It was this that really gripped his imagination. With an eye for detail unusual of one so junior, he created training opportunities for his soldiers that stood them all in good stead. To fit this around his duties in London was impressive.

Right Flank, 1st Battalion Scots Guards

Lance Sergeant David "Davey" Walker was born in Glasgow on 9th August 1973. He passed out of the Guards Depot in Pirbright in 1993. He immediately joined the 1st Battalion Scots Guards and served in Dungannon in 1994, Belfast in 1996 and on Operation TELIC 5 in Iraq in 2004/2005. Lance Sergeant Walker was also employed as an instructor at ITC Catterick where he excelled in passing on his abundance of experience and wealth of knowledge to the recruits he was training.

Lance Sergeant Walker was the absolute epitome of a first class Scots Guardsman who always led his men from the front. He will be remembered for his passion for fishing, football and for Celtic Football Club. He will be missed for his sense of fun, his unselfishness and his unshakable loyalty to his friends. Lance Sergeant Walker never thoughtof himself first. He was a loving son and brother to all his fellow Scots Guardsmen. He was and always will be forever a Scots Guardsman. The thoughts of every one of his colleagues are with his family and, in particular, his wife Teresa and their family.

II Squadron Royal Air Force Regiment

It is with sadness that the Ministry of Defence must confirm that Senior Aircraftman Luke Southgate from II Squadron Royal Air Force Regiment was killed in Afghanistan on Wednesday 24 February 2010.
Senior Aircraftman Luke Southgate

Senior Aircraftman (SAC) Southgate was part of the Kandahar Airfield Force Protection Wing and was conducting a patrol to protect Kandahar Airfield, and all who operate within it, from the ever-present threat of rocket attacks when he as killed by an improvised explosive device whilst driving his WMIK Land Rover.

The US Department of Defence has confirmed that the following members of US'Armed Forces have died in the service of their country during October 2009. It does not release eulogies as is the practice of the UK MoD so we are unable to provide further details.

A Company, 4th Battalion The Rifles (4 RIFLES)

It is with sadness that the Ministry of Defence must confirm that Rifleman Martin Kinggett from A Company, 4th Battalion The Rifles (4 RIFLES), part of the 3 RIFLES Battle Group, was killed in Afghanistan on Thursday 25 February 2010.

Rifleman Kinggett, a 19-year-old soldier from A Company 4 RIFLES, serving as part of 3 RIFLES Battle Group, was killed by a gun shot wound in Sangin, Helmand Province.

He was on a routine foot patrol, part of a larger operation to provide security for the local population in Sangin. During the patrol he and his comrades were required to provide covering fire for the evacuation of an injured colleague and Rifleman Kinggett was shot and killed.

28 ENGINEER REGIMENT ATTACHED TO 11 BRIGADE RECONNAISANCE FORCE

Sergeant Paul Maurice Fox, of 28 Engineer Regiment, attached to theBrigade Reconnaissance Force, who was killed in Afghanistan on Friday 26 February 2010.

Sergeant Paul Fox, from St Ives, was born in Manchester on 16th December 1975. He joined the Army and entered the Corps of Royal Engineers in August 1994 and was trained as a combat engineer and Welder Royal Engineer Class 1. Having moved steadily through the ranks, excelling at all stages with his professionalism, he was posted to 28 Engineer Regiment, 45 Field Support Sqaudron in 2006.

In 2008 he was recommended by his Officer Commanding to join the Regiment's Reconnaissance Troop and was chosen for the Recce Selection Cadre, and having come top of the course became a Troop Sergeant with the Brigade Reconnaissance Force (BRF). It was with the BRF he deployed on Op HERRICK 11 in October 2009.

He was killed on the 26 February 2010 by an Improvised Explosive Device while on foot patrol in southern Nad-e Ali. His death was connected with Operation MOSHTARAK.

Rifleman Carlo Apolis of 4th Battalion The Rifles (4 RIFLES), serving as part of the 3 RIFLES Battle Group, was killed in Afghanistan on 1 March 2010.

Rifleman Carlo Apolis was a South African who came to the United Kingdom in 2004. He worked in a hotel in Exeter before joining the Army, a little older than most recruits. Rifleman Apolis initially enlisted in 2007 but left the Army for a short while before re-joining six months later.

After attending the demanding Combat Infantryman's Course at the Infantry Training Centre, Catterick, Rifleman Apolis joined 4th Battalion, The Rifles in November 2007. He was posted to A Company, training with them throughout 2008 and then attended Pre-Deployment Training in 2009, prior to deploying on his first Operational tour to Afghanistan on Operation HERRICK 11.

Corporal Richard Green from 3rd Battalion The Rifles (3 RIFLES) was killed in Afghanistan on Tuesday 2 March, as a result of small arms fire near Sangin in Helmand province.

Corporal Richard Green was born on 4 September 1986 in Reading. He attended Little Heath Secondary School, gaining a GNVQ (General National Vocational Qualification) in Leisure and Tourism before joining the Army on 4 August 2003 at the age of sixteen.

He attended Phase One training at the Army Training Regiment in Bassingbourn, before reporting to the Infantry Training Centre Catterick in January 2004 for his infantry specific training.

Corporal Green successfully completed a Junior Non-Commissioned Officer cadre within a year of arriving at 3 RIFLES and, a year after that, had completed the demanding Section Commanders' Battle Course to qualify him for promotion to Corporal.

3RD BATTALION THE RIFLES

Jonathon Michael Allott was born in North Shields on 31 May 1990. He attended Kings High School in his home town of Bournemouth before becoming an apprentice bricklayer.

On 16 November 2008 he enlisted to join the Army and was sent for training at the Infantry Training Centre in Catterick, completing this at the end of May 2009. He joined 3rd Battalion The Rifles in Edinburgh in June 2009 and joined B Company for their pre-deployment training.

Rifleman Allott deployed to Sangin, Afghanistan in September 2009 where he was employed as the front man in his patrol, responsible for clearing the ground of improvised explosive devices.

3rd BATTALION THE RIFLES

Liam Maughan was born in Doncaster on 6 July 1991. He attended Hatfield Visual Arts College before joining the Army on 6 January 2008 when he was sent for initial training at the Army Foundation College in Harrogate. Upon completion of his course, he was sent for phase two training at the Infantry Training Centre in Catterick, completing this in March 2009.

Rifleman Maughan arrived with 3rd Battalion The Rifles in Edinburgh on 30 March 2009 and joined B Company for their pre-deployment training. He deployed to Sangin, Afghanistan with 5 Platoon in September 2009 where he was employed as a sharpshooter in his patrol. His Platoon are based out of a new Patrol Base in central Sangin and have been conducting regular patrols and operations to bring reassurance and security to the local population.

Rifleman Maughan was shot and killed while in a position of overwatch, providing protection to his platoon as they engaged with the local population. He leaves behind his parents, girlfriend and new born son.

Rifleman Maughan's family said:

"Liam was a tall, handsome six-footer, with looks to melt the heart of any girl and make men envious, but he was also a son and a brother, a fiance and a father to his own son who he will now never meet.

"This cruel and premature departure from us leaves dreams unfulfilled, potentials unrealised and a massive irreparable hole in the lives of everyone who knew him."

Lieutenant Colonel Nick Kitson, Commanding Officer, 3 RIFLES Battle Group, said:

"The loss of such a keen, dedicated and promising Rifleman is a devastating blow to the Battle Group. Rifleman Maughan, at the age of eighteen, had already ably demonstrated his clear potential. Capable, enthusiastic, courageous and loyal, he had all the attributes of the best kind of Rifleman. He has been an absolute credit to his family and our nation, typical of the young men of today who are putting their lives on the line in the service of their mates, their country and a better future for this region.

"Selfless and committed, he died working tirelessly to provide security and hope for the local people of Sangin who may never know nor understand the great sacrifice that he has made on their behalf. Rifleman Maughan was loved by those who stood alongside him and will be sorely missed by us all, his comrades.

"Our thoughts and prayers are very much with Rifleman Maughan's infant son, as they are with the rest of his family, and we hope that he may grow up to understand just how great a sacrifice his father made in the service of his country. We pray also that both family and loved ones may find comfort in the memory of such a selfless, courageous and dedicated Rifleman. We shall carry on his good work undaunted as he would wish."

Major James Richardson, Officer Commanding, B Company 3 RIFLES Battle Group, said:

"Rifleman Maughan arrived with the Company at the end of March last year, just as we started pre-deployment training in earnest. He was a little daunted by the prospect of the training and the upcoming deployment. During the summer it became clear that he was to become a father, another daunting prospect. The combination, after the initial shock, appeared to galvanise him and he steadily progressed both in terms of his professional confidence and his all round maturity.

"Both belied his tender age, and by the time we deployed he was really starting to show the hallmarks of a Rifleman with a bright future. A development that continued in Afghanistan and that saw him forge the type of friendships in his Platoon we all join the Army for.

"It is particularly tragic that his son, Jaden, was born last month and that he has not had a chance to get to know his father. He, undoubtedly, would have made him proud. My thoughts and those of us all are with Jaden and his mother Michaela, and the remainder of Rifleman Maughan's family who will be feeling his loss keenest of all."

"Our thoughts and prayers are very much with Rifleman Maughan's infant son, as they are with the rest of his family, and we hope that he may grow up to understand just how great a sacrifice his father made in the service of his country."

Lieutenant Tom Vila, Officer Commanding 5 Platoon B Company 3 RIFLES Battle Group, said:

"I always thought that Rifleman Maughan seemed a bit stunned, but from the year that I have known him, I now know this was down to his un-flappable composure.

"Thrown into the most extreme situations on Operations after only five months with the Battalion he oozed contagious serenity indicative of one far more experienced. He always be-calmed his fellow soldiers. His ability to shoot straight was quickly picked out (for he rumored that he could shoot straight often enough) such that he was chosen to be the Platoon's sharp shooter. In this role he exemplified everything that was best in a thinking rifleman, selecting his own targets and timelessly hunting down a fleeting enemy through his scope, this man required little leadership.

"His boy band good looks led the rest of the lads to nick name him 'Princess'; on the battlefield he was anything but. He thrived on soldiering and was proud to be a Rifleman.

"I was lucky enough to 'chew the fat' with Rifleman Maughan over a brew the day before he died. He was telling me about his new born son Jaden, of whom he had not yet even seen a photo. He had a look in his eye that said that he was a man that any son would want for a father. That he himself was barely out of childhood mattered not a bit. This quality was inspiring but unsurprising as time and again in Afghanistan he put the needs of others before his own. Ultimately he placed himself in the line of fire, giving his own life for those of his comrades.

"Intelligent, naturally fit, fearless and sickeningly handsome, Rifleman Liam Maughan has been robbed of the opportunity to make the most of his endless talents, and only 8 months after his 18th Birthday. This is a tragedy with no comparison. His brothers in arms will bear his loss, not lightly, for ever.

"This has been a dark day for 5 Platoon but our thoughts are firmly with his girlfriend Michaela, son Jaden and his parents Andrea and David.

"The bravest of the brave, Swift and Bold."

Warrant Officer Class 2 Paul Kelly, Company Serjeant Major, B Company, 3 RIFLES Battle Group, said:

"Rifleman Maughan was a Rifleman's Rifleman, confident, professional, diligent with a great sense of humour, the evidence of this is was with the acceptance of his nickname 'Princess'. He stood tall not only in height, but in stature amongst the Riflemen in his platoon.

"He had specialist training as a sharpshooter and took the responsibility of this task in his stride. He was an ambitious young man who wanted the responsibility of command which in time he would have achieved. We have lost a bright star of the future to the insurgents but we as a company will be strong together as he would have wanted and will continue with the courageous work that he and his Platoon have achieved so far this tour.

"His loss has hit every one very hard but we will be thinking of his family who have lost a proud loving son. Our thoughts go to his family at this devastating time."

Sergeant Ian Lamming, Platoon Serjeant, 5 Platoon, 3 RIFLES Battle Group, said:

"Rifleman Liam Maughan, known as princess by the platoon due to his good looks was always saying "that I'm better looking than you". Rifleman Maughan was a grade one soldier whose passion was to become a sniper once back in the UK. He was professional in everything he did and he always put his mates first before himself.

"Sadly Rifleman Maughan has never seen his newly born son and he will be missed by the Platoon, but most of all his loved ones at home. Rest in Peace mate."

Corporal Jonny Walker, Section Commander, 5 Platoon, 3 RIFLES Battle Group, said:

"Rifleman Liam Maughan was a great, top quality soldier who took his job very seriously. He took great pride in being my section's sharp shooter, and one day would have been an excellent section commander which he aspired to be. His soldiering skills were of the highest standard and he loved the job he was in, he always remained calm when under pressure.

"He had an excellent sense of humour and was known as the Platoon princess, he was a father to his new born baby at only a few weeks old but which he loved something true. It is a great tragedy that Rifleman Maughan was taken from us, when he was so young.

"I offer my condolences to his girlfriend and parents, who have lost a great son and boyfriend and would have been an excellent father to his son. He will be sorely missed, father, son, boyfriend and friend."

Lance Corporal Joe Petrie, 5 Platoon, 3 RIFLES Battle Group, said of him:

"Rifleman Maughan was a good hearted friend with his pretty boy looks. A good soldier with a promising career in what ever he chose to do. Keen to get his hands on the sniper rifle he was chuffed to bits to be 5 Platoon's sniper which showed in his enthusiasm to do the tasks he was given.

"Always up for a joke and a laugh with the rest of us and took it well when the joke was on him.

"He was also a proud father of a baby boy although he hadn't seen him yet. Without a doubt he would have been a good dad, and my heart goes out to his fiancée, son and the rest of his family and friends. He has left a mark on all of us that will stay forever."

Lance Corporal Jonathon Robson, of 5 Platoon, 3 RIFLES Battle Group said:

"Rifleman Liam Maughan was without a doubt one of the best soldiers I have worked with, he was a keen LMG Gunner but even more keen to become a sniper. When he passed his sharpshooter's course he was over the moon. I would like to say I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to work with and command such a soldier and also know him as a friend. My thoughts are with his family and friends at this sad time.

"I would just like to say goodnight princess he will know what I mean, well mate rest in peace and one day we will be reunited."

Lance Corporal James Taylor of 5 Platoon, 3 RIFLES Battle Group, said:

"Rifleman Maughan was a true legend within the platoon his confidence and banter made him stand out. He was a true professional and always at the top of his game whilst out on a patrol or any task he was given.

"My thoughts are with his girlfriend and son who he was so proud of and also to his family. I will miss him when I return home to Doncaster as the town has lost a legend."

Rifleman Kyle Allison, also of 5 Platoon, 3 RIFLES Battle Group, said:

"Rifleman Maughan was a top bloke, a great friend and father to his son. Anything he was asked to do he would do it no questions asked. This is how committed he was to his job and I'm sure he would be as committed if not more to being a father. RIP mate."

Rifleman Niall Carter, 5 Platoon, 3 RIFLES Battle Group, paid this tribute:

"Although I knew Maughan for a short time he was a gleaming lad. I got on very well with him. My heart goes out to his family and girlfriend and new born son. Rest in Peace mate."

Rifleman Lee Clarke, 5 Platoon, 3 RIFLES Battle Group, said:

"Rifleman Maughan was a brilliant lad he always had a smile or cracked a joke. He always helped if someone was in need and put others before himself. He will be missed and our thoughts are with him and his family, RIP mate."

Rifleman Jean De Clerk, 5 Platoon, 3 RIFLES Battle Group, said:

"Rifleman Maughan was a young good spirited man, he was one of the best liked lads in the Platoon because of his friendly character. He was always in high spirits because of his job as Platoon sharpshooter and I am confident he would have been a fine sniper which was his aspiration.

"I truly count him as my friend, my heart breaks for his girlfriend and his son which he was so excited to see for the first time, but he never will. I will always remember the good banter between both me and him, but most of all I will remember him."

Rifleman Christopher Handley, 5 Platoon, 3 RIFLES Battle Group said of him:

"Rifleman Maughan always used to say "I'm better looking than you" I used to say this to him too, he would simply say "but you aren't though are you?" Rest in Peace mate."

Rifleman Gavin Hardman, 5 Platoon, 3 RIFLES Battle Group, said:

"We have lost a true warrior, friend and soldier. Maughan 'princess' you will be missed by us but never forgotten. Liam was a mans man and always up for a good laugh, he never shied away from a task, we have lost a great soldier."

Rifleman Lee Hodge, 5 Platoon, 3 RIFLES Battle Group, said:

"I only knew Maughan for a short period of time but in that time he was always there if I needed help with anything and was always happy to do so. A true friend who will be sadly missed, sleep peacefully mate."

Rifleman Ian Pearson, 5 Platoon, 3 RIFLES Battle Group, said:

"Maughan or princess as we called him was an awesome person who thought of the lads before himself. He will be missed loads; our thoughts go out to his family and child, RIP mate."

Rifleman Robert Rees, 5 Platoon, 3 RIFLES Battle Group said:

"Rifleman Maughan known as princess, when I first rocked up to the Battalion he was the first lad I had spoken to, I also shared a room with him. He was always full of laughter and had a heart of gold. My thoughts go out to his family and his fiancée and his new born son."

Rifleman Luke Slater, 5 Platoon, 3 RIFLES Battle Group, added:

"Rifleman Maughan was a good lad. He was my room mate in Edinburgh and we always had a good laugh. Things we did were good fun and I'm going to miss not doing them things with him. He was a good soldier who took his job seriously. I send my greatest regards to his family because we have lost a great soldier they have lost a great son.

"Rest in Peace mate, obviously God needs you more."

4TH BATTALION THE RIFLES

Lance Corporal Keogh was born in Paddington, London on August 25, 1985 (aged 24) originally enlisted in 2003, serving until 2008, including a tour toIraq on Operation TELIC 10.  After a year's break, he re-joined in 2009.  Immediately upon re-joining, he was posted to the Reconnaissance Platoon, 4 RIFLES.  Very soon thereafter, he started pre-deployment training forAfghanistan with R Company Fire Support Group, who were due to deploy as part of the Election Support Force.  He was injured in an accident while off duty just before deployment, and remained in the UK to recover, before training for and completing a potential Junior Non Commissioned Officers' Cadre with 5 RIFLES.  He gained the coveted top student award on the course, before deploying to Afghanistan with A Company 4 RIFLES for Operation HERRICK 11.

He leaves behind his parents, Lawrence and Marion, and two brothers.

1st BATTALION THE RIFLES, ATTACHED TO 3 RIFLES

Corporal Stephen Thompson was born in Cleveland, Yorkshire on 11 August 1978 (aged 31) but lived most recently in Bovey Tracey inDevon.

He enlisted in the Army in January 1997 and was sent to be trained at the Army Training Regiment inLichfield, completing his course in October that year.  He joined his Battalion, The First Battalion theDevonshire and Dorset Regiment where he successfully completed a Junior Non Commissioned Officers' Cadre earning him promotion to Lance Corporal.  He then completed the Section Commanders Battle Course before being posted to the Infantry Training Centre in Catterick to train recruits.  He returned to 1 RIFLES in January 2010 before volunteering to deploy as a Battle Casualty Replacement for 3 RIFLES.

He leaves behind his mother and father, Carol and Peter, brother Philip, sisters Claire and Helen, and his 7-year-old son Ewan.

1st Battalion The Royal Anglian Regiment

Captain Martin Driver from 1st Battalion The Royal Anglian Regiment died in Selly Oak Hospital on Monday 15 March 2010 from wounds sustained in an explosion which occurred in the Musa Qal'ah district of Helmand province on the morning of 21 February 2010.

Captain Martin Driver, aged 31, originally from Barnsley, commissioned into 1st Battalion The Royal Anglian Regiment, 'The Vikings', on 16 December 2006.

He had previously served in 4th Battalion The Parachute Regiment (4 PARA), a TA unit, while at university and deployed during this time on operational tours in Iraq and Northern Ireland.

Having completed the Commissioning Course at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, he deployed to Afghanistan on Operation HERRICK 6 in 2007.

1st Battalion The Royal Anglian Regiment

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.

1st Battalion The Royal Anglian Regiment

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.

The US Department of Defence has confirmed that the following members of US'Armed Forces have died in the service of their country during November 2009. It does not release eulogies as is the practice of the UK MoD so we are unable to provide further details.

3RD BATTALION THE RIFLES

Serjeant Steven Campbell was born in Durham on 9 May 1979. He joined the Army on 28 April 1998 at the age of eighteen, completing phase one training in December that year before joining Second Battalion the Light Infantry.

Serjeant Campbell completed the required courses to be promoted through the ranks to corporal before being posted as an instructor to the Army Foundation College in 2003. In 2005 he returned to the Battalion, now based in Edinburgh.

He passed the Platoon Serjeants Battle Course and was promoted to the rank of Serjeant in October 2006. He worked as a Platoon Serjeant in B Company 3 RIFLES after formation, before again being sent to instruct recruits at the Infantry Training Centre in Catterick in 2008.

Serjeant Campbell returned to 3 RIFLES during the Battalion's current deployment to Sangin, in Helmand Province. He was originally sent to B Company to assist the Company Headquarters but on 10 March he was sent to A Company to take on the role of Platoon Serjeant.

He leaves behind his wife Lisa, son Brandon, and his parents.

HOUSEHOLD CAVALRY REGIMENT SERVING WITH BRIGADE RECCONAISANCE FORCE

Lance Corporal of Horse Jonathan Woodgate, aged 27 from Lavenham in Suffolk, was born in Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk. He attended Great Cornard Upper School before joining the Army Foundation College in 2001. After completing his training, he moved to Windsor and joined D Squadron, Household Cavalry Regiment, and deployed on Op FRESCO and on Op TELIC 1 as a driver in 2 Troop. These tours were followed shortly by Op HERRICK 4 as a gunner for the 1Troop, Corporal of Horse. After returning home from HERRICK 4, he immediately moved across to B Squadron and started training to deploy again to Iraq on TELIC 10 with the Brigade Reconnaissance Force. He completed Close Observation Training Advisory Course as a team commander and deployed in May 2007.

Recently Lance Corporal of Horse Woodgate completed a Formation Recce Crew Commanders' Course finishing in the top three of the course. Shortly after completing the course, Lance Corporal of Horse Woodgate went to Canada to take part in two MEDMAN exercises in the OPFOR Recce Company, to gain experience as a vehicle commander. On returning to Windsor he was sent to Command Troop for a few months before rejoining B Squadron shortly before Easter 2009 to prepare for Op HERRICK 11. He completed the Surveillance Reconnaissance Wing course as a Section Commander with a high pass, and also took part in the testing pre-deployment training needed to be part of the Brigade Reconnaissance Force.

Lance Corporal of Horse Woodgate was killed by an insurgent's grenade on 26 March 2010 whilst on foot patrol with 4 Troop, BRF, near Sangin. It was to be his last patrol of the tour. He leaves behind his parents and three sisters.

3RD BATTALION THE RIFLES

Rifleman Daniel 'Danny' Holkham was born in Chatham on 2 August 1990. He attended Minster College in Sheerness achieving an NVQ in engineering before enlisting to join the Army at the age of sixteen.

Rifleman Holkham gained a place at the Army Foundation College in Harrogate where he completed his phase one training prior to going to the Infantry Training Centre, Catterick for his Infantry specific education.

On completion in April 2008 he joined 3 RIFLES in Edinburgh and was posted to 4 Platoon, B Company.

He took part in the Battalion exercise in Kenya later that year and then the pre-deployment build up training for operations in Afghanistan throughout 2009.