Showing posts with label Yorkshire Regiment. Show all posts

Monday, September 17, 2012

R.I.P. - Sergeant Gareth Thursby, Private Thomas Wroe (UK)

9/17/2012 01:12:00 PM SgtJim No Comments yet, your thoughts are welcome

Sergeant Gareth Thursby and Private Thomas Wroe killed in Afghanistan

A Military Operations news article

16 Sep 12

It is with great sadness that the Ministry of Defence must confirm that Sergeant Gareth Thursby and Private Thomas Wroe, both of 3rd Battalion The Yorkshire Regiment (Duke of Wellington's) (3 YORKS) were killed in Afghanistan on Saturday 15 September 2012.

Sergeant Gareth Thursby (left) and Private Thomas James Wroe
[Picture: via MOD]

The two men were shot and fatally wounded by a rogue Afghan Local Policeman in Checkpoint Tora in the Nahr-e Saraj district of Helmand province.

Both men served proudly and in the highest traditions of The Yorkshire Regiment. They will never be forgotten.

Secretary of State for Defence Philip Hammond said:

"I was saddened to hear of this cowardly act by a man wearing an Afghan Local Police uniform, which has taken the lives of two brave British soldiers.
"All of our thoughts are with the families of Sergeant Gareth Thursby and Private Thomas Wroe. They gave their lives protecting Britain's national security, helping to make sure that Afghanistan never again becomes a haven for international terrorism."

Sergeant Gareth Thursby, 3rd Battalion The Yorkshire Regiment (Duke of Wellington's)

Sergeant Gareth Thursby
[Picture: via MOD]

Sergeant Gareth David Thursby was born on the 21 September 1982. He attended South Craven School in Skipton before joining the British Army on 3 August 1999. After completing his training in early 2000, he joined 1st Battalion The Duke of Wellington's Regiment. His first deployment was to Kosovo in 2003 followed by Iraq in 2005. He passed the Section Commander's Battle Course to qualify for a posting to the Army Training Regiment in Pirbright as an instructor. Subsequently, he returned to the 3rd Battalion The Yorkshire Regiment (Duke of Wellington's) as a section commander. In October 2010 he was promoted to sergeant and assumed his role as a platoon sergeant in Alma Company.
Sergeant Thursby was deeply respected by all that worked with him and all that knew him. His professionalism and strength of character were his hallmark, as was his commitment to his men. His unswerving loyalty, moral courage and sense of duty were an example to all. He was 29 years old and is survived by his wife, Louise, and two children, Joshua and Ruby.
Sgt Thursby's wife, Louise, paid the following tribute to him:

"Gareth was the love of my life. He was an amazing husband and father, happy, full of life and kind hearted with a passion for his work and family. He was brave, hardworking, a loving husband who was a devoted father to his children. Our Hero."

Private Thomas James Wroe
[Picture: via MOD]

Private Thomas James Wroe, 3rd Battalion The Yorkshire Regiment (Duke of Wellington's) Private Thomas James Wroe was born in Huddersfield on 27th June 1994. He joined the British Army on 5th September 2010 and attended the Army Foundation College at Harrogate. On 11 November 2011 he completed his training and joined 3 YORKS. He was assigned to 3 Platoon, Alma Company as a Rifleman and completed demanding pre-deployment training, including qualifying as a Team Medic. Private Wroe spent several weeks working and training with the Battalion Rear Operations Group in the United Kingdom until he turned 18 years, deploying to join the rest of his Company on Operation HERRICK 16 on 1 July 2012.
Private Wroe was an outstanding example of a Yorkshire Regiment soldier. Even in the short time he had been with his Company he had shown himself to be enthusiastic, articulate and highly capable. He followed a strong family tradition of service in the Battalion and already had aspirations to attend a Junior Non-Commissioned Officer cadre. His quick witted sense of humour made him popular with all. Private Wroe was 18 years old and is survived by his parents, Michael and Claire and sister Demi, from Holmfirth, West Yorkshire.
Thomas's family paid this tribute:

"Our son Thomas was a brave young soldier, who is loved by his family, girlfriend and friends. We can't believe you have been taken so soon from us. You will always be in our hearts for ever and ever. You would light up the room with your smile and bubbly personality. Our world will be a duller place without you. We are so proud of you son, on all you achieved and we are grateful for every special thing you gave us. We will always love you Tom."

READ MORE: http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews/MilitaryOperations/SergeantGarethThursbyAndPrivateThomasWroeKilledInAfghanistan.htm

R.I.P. - Private Gregg Thomas Stone

6/05/2012 12:18:00 PM SgtJim No Comments yet, your thoughts are welcome

Pvt Gregg Thomas Stone [picture via MOD]

Private Gregg Thomas Stone killed in Afghanistan

A Military Operations news article

5 Jun 12

It is with sadness that the Ministry of Defence must confirm that Private Gregg Thomas Stone from the 3rd Battalion, The Yorkshire Regiment, was killed in Afghanistan on Sunday 3 June 2012.

Private Stone deployed to Nahr-e Saraj district in Helmand Province on the 13 May 2012 as part of 6 Platoon, Burma Company. In the early evening of 3 June 2012, he was part of an operation to apprehend a group of insurgents who had abducted a member of the Afghan police. It was during this operation that his unit came under fire and Private Stone was fatally wounded.

Private Gregg Thomas Stone

Private Stone was born on 9 October 1991 in Hull, Yorkshire, where he attended Hornsea Secondary School and joined the Army on the 31 October 2009. He joined the 3rd Battalion The Yorkshire Regiment in April 2010, after completing training at the Infantry Training Centre in Catterick.

After training as a Light Machine Gunner and Sharpshooter, he deployed with the Regiment to train in Canada before starting training for Op HERRICK. He was looking forward to attending the Junior Non-Commissioned Officers course upon return from Afghanistan, which he was sure to pass.

He leaves behind his wife, Samantha, mother Angela, father Robert, brothers Kallum, Jamie and Graeme, and sisters Rosie and Jennie.

Pte Stone's wife Samantha, supported by her family - dad Paul, mum Anita, sisters Claire and Emily and brother Steven - paid the following tribute to him:

"Gregg and I were childhood sweethearts and we met at school – he was my soul-mate. He was a brilliant husband and a family man who loved his family. He was always the one to want to make us laugh – he always cheered everyone up.
"He was proud to be a soldier and for what he had achieved in his work.
"He would also want me to mention his dog Benji who he loved to bits."

Paying tribute to their son and brother, Pte Stone's parents and siblings said:

"He will always be a true hero in all our hearts! Anyone who was blessed enough to have known him will know how much of a credit to his friends and family he was.
"Words cannot begin to describe this great loss, and we are exceptionally proud of Gregg for everything he was, has, and still is.
"Gregg was the kindest, funniest, friendliest, most popular lad that you could wish to meet. This is the saddest loss of our laughing boy."

read more: http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews/MilitaryOperations/PrivateGreggThomasStoneKilledInAfghanistan.htm

UK Troops In Afghanistan Launch 'Major Offensive' Against Taliban

3/18/2012 02:23:00 PM SgtJim No Comments yet, your thoughts are welcome

U.S. Army Photo by Sgt. 1st Class Stephanie L. Carl - via Wikipedia

A major offensive on Taliban strongholds has been launched by Afghan security forces, supported by British troops.

Among those overseeing the Afghan-led operation launched on Friday in the area surrounding Helmand's second city of Gereshk were members of 3rd Battalion the Yorkshire Regiment.

The regiment lost five soldiers in a blast which killed six while they were travelling in an armoured vehicle about 20 miles away two weeks ago.

The operation - dubbed Now Roz, meaning New Day in Dari - aims to rid the Taliban from an area which is traditionally regarded as a stronghold for the insurgency.

Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF) moved into the area on Friday while coalition troops set up observational posts on high ground over the Yakchal valley.

Over the weekend Afghan troops have moved from compound to compound, meeting little resistance as insurgents attempted to flee.

They uncovered a number of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) as compounds were searched.
Second Lieutenant Chris Trezise, from Maidstone, Kent, of the Princess of Wales Royal Regiment, was among British troops overseeing the operation.

He said the drive was the result of preparatory work to "empower" Afghan forces and "give them the tools to do it for themselves".

Speaking on Saturday, he added: "The objective is to carry out an ANSF clearance operation, with the Afghan National Army clearing north to south and the Afghan National Civil Order Police preventing insurgents fleeing southwards.

"The clearance is going well although it is not yet complete.

"Troops on the ground did not meet much small arms fire but the ANA have found a number of IEDs and suicide vests.

"The Afghan forces are doing very well, we've given them their tasks and they have gone about them very professionally."

The operation comes as coalition troops prepare to withdraw in 2014 and after Afghan president Hamed Khazi called for them to move back to main bases by 2013.

British troops are increasingly moving into mentoring roles, ensuring the Afghan forces are ready to take charge of security.

It is hoped that local security forces will be able to take control of the Gereshk district by the end of this year and this weekend's operation is seen as a vital part of the bid to make the area safe.

A number of suspected insurgents who attempted to flee Yakchal to the south were captured by the Afghan National Civil Order Police (ANCOP) late on Saturday.

They were held for processing by British troops and will be detained by Afghan authorities to await trial.

Officers from ANCOP, approached by locals alarmed by the heavy military presence and the sound of several blasts, offered reassurances and explained the purpose of the mission.

from huffingtonpost

MOD confirms names of the six soldiers believed killed in Helmand

3/08/2012 11:38:00 AM SgtJim No Comments yet, your thoughts are welcome

from UK FORCES AFGHANISTAN blog

It is with great sadness that the Ministry of Defence must confirm the names of the six Service personnel missing, believed killed, in Afghanistan since Tuesday 6 March 2012.

From top left: Sergeant Nigel Coupe, Corporal Jake Hartley and Private Anthony Frampton. From bottom left: Private Christopher Kershaw, Private Daniel Wade and Private Daniel Wilford. Picture: Iain Hamer, Crown Copyright/MOD 2012

The six soldiers are believed to have been killed after their armoured vehicle was caught in an explosion in southern Afghanistan on 6 March 2012.

The soldier from 1st Battalion The Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment is named as:

• Sergeant Nigel Coupe, aged 33

The five soldiers from 3rd Battalion The Yorkshire Regiment are:

• Corporal Jake Hartley, 20
• Private Anthony Frampton, 20
• Private Christopher Kershaw,19
• Private Daniel Wade, 20
• Private Daniel Wilford, 21

Further information will be released in due course. We ask that the privacy of the families of these Service personnel is respected at this very difficult time.
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more pictures on mod.uk site:

http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/PictureViewers/TheSixSoldiersBelievedKilledInHelmand.htm

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Six British troops killed in Afghanistan

3/07/2012 11:19:00 AM SgtJim No Comments yet, your thoughts are welcome

UPDATE:
MOD confirms names of the six soldiers believed killed in Helmand http://bit.ly/yBWFU5

LONDON: Six British soldiers are missing and are believed to have been killed in Afghanistan after an explosion hit an armoured vehicle, Britain’s Ministry of Defence said on Wednesday.

“I have the tragic duty to report that six soldiers are missing, believed killed, during a security patrol,” said British spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Gordon Mackenzie.

The ministry said the soldiers had been on patrol on Tuesday in Helmand Province, the restive southern area where most British troops are based, when their vehicle was hit.

The servicemen’s families have been informed, the ministry added.
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ISAF release:

KABUL, Afghanistan – Six International Security Assistance Force service members were believed killed following an improvised explosive device attack in southern Afghanistan yesterday.

It is ISAF policy to defer casualty identification procedures to the relevant national authorities.

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MOD release:

Six soldiers believed killed in Helmand

A Military Operations news article

7 Mar 12

It is with great sadness that the Ministry of Defence must announce that six soldiers are missing, believed killed, after their armoured vehicle was caught in an explosion in Helmand province, Afghanistan, yesterday, Tuesday 6 March 2012.

Six soldiers, five from 3rd Battalion The Yorkshire Regiment and one from 1st Battalion The Duke of Lancaster's Regiment, were on a mounted patrol when their Warrior armoured fighting vehicle was caught in an explosion.
Lieutenant Colonel Gordon Mackenzie, spokesman for Task Force Helmand, said:

"I have the tragic duty to report that six soldiers are missing, believed killed, during a security patrol. The six soldiers, five from 3rd Battalion The Yorkshire Regiment and one from 1st Battalion The Duke of Lancaster's Regiment, were on patrol in a Warrior armoured fighting vehicle when it was caught in an explosion in the Task Force Helmand Area of Operations."

Details are still being confirmed and further information will be released in due course. The families of the soldiers have been informed.

The Secretary of State for Defence, Philip Hammond, said:

"This tragic incident brings home to us the dangers that are faced on a daily basis by the men and women of our Armed Forces deployed in Afghanistan. My thoughts are with the families and friends of the six soldiers who are missing, believed killed, and also with their colleagues, both in Afghanistan and the UK, whose brave work continues or is about to start.
"I utterly condemn those responsible for this incident who will ultimately fail to derail a mission that is protecting our national security at home and making real progress in Helmand province - a testament to the bravery, commitment and professionalism of our Armed Forces.
"We should never forget those who have lost their lives in Afghanistan to protect our national security.
"It is because of the continuing efforts of our Armed Forces, working alongside the Afghan National Security Forces, that we are on course to build an Afghanistan that can stand on its own two feet when UK combat operations cease at the end of 2014 and never again becomes a haven for international terrorism."

Chief of the Defence Staff, General Sir David Richards, said:

"I was deeply saddened by the news of this incident and that six soldiers are believed to have lost their lives doing what is a dangerous but important job.
"My thoughts and prayers at this difficult time are with the families of those affected by this tragic event.
"This campaign has seen many personal tragedies and we owe it to those who have made the ultimate sacrifice to recognise that their courage and skill is visible in the ever more capable Afghan Army and Police.
"Increasingly the Afghans themselves are taking the lead in providing security across Helmand. This transition is allowing Afghans to gain the confidence to reject the Taliban and live normal lives.
"The courage, fortitude and determination of those servicemen and women currently in Helmand are inspirational. They have not once wavered but, every day, mix the professionalism of which we are all so proud with deep commitment and determination.
"The support shown by the public towards our men and women continues to be a source of great strength for the Armed Forces. They feel strongly that they are protecting us all through their service in Afghanistan."

RAF Regiment airman killed in Afghanistan

2/14/2012 12:43:00 AM SgtJim No Comments yet, your thoughts are welcome

A Royal Air Force Regiment airman has been killed during an insurgent attack in the Nad-e Ali district of Helmand.

The airman, whose next of kin have been informed, was shot dead while on a routine patrol of the Western Dashte area, said the Ministry of Defence.

British forces spokesman Lt Col Gordon Mackenzie said "Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends at this difficult time."

British military deaths in Afghanistan since 2001 now stand at 398.

The airman had been on a partnered patrol and so would have been interacting with civilians while accompanying an Afghan officer.

His death comes after Lance Corporal Gajbahadur Gurung from 1st Battalion The Yorkshire Regiment was also killed by gunfire, in Helmand's Khar Nikah area on 27 January.

Some 500 of around 9,500 British servicemen and women in Afghanistan are due to be brought home in 2012 and Prime Minister David Cameron has indicated that more will leave in 2013.

He has said he wants British forces to end combat operations in the country by 2014.

from BBC

R.I.P. - Lance Corporal Gajbahadur Gurung

1/29/2012 12:58:00 AM SgtJim No Comments yet, your thoughts are welcome

Lance Corporal Gajbahadur Gurung [Picture: via MOD]

Lance Corporal Gajbahadur Gurung killed in Afghanistan

A Military Operations news article

28 Jan 12

It is with sadness that the Ministry of Defence must confirm the death of Lance Corporal Gajbahadur Gurung of 1st Battalion The Yorkshire Regiment, who was killed in Afghanistan on Friday 27 January 2012.

Serving as part of Combined Force Nahr-e Saraj (North), the soldier was a member of an International Security Assistance Force foot patrol to disrupt insurgent activity in the Khar Nikah region of Nahr-e Saraj district, Helmand province, when he received a fatal gunshot wound.

Lance Corporal Gurung was born in Majthana, Nepal, on 16 October 1985, and was brought up and educated in Pokhara. Before being selected for the Brigade of Gurkhas, he was a full time student, studying Maths and English in Pokhara.

He joined the Brigade of Gurkhas on 18 December 2004 at British Gurkhas Pokhara, Nepal. He completed recruit training in Gurkha Company, 3rd Battalion, Infantry Training Centre Catterick in October 2005. On completion of his basic training he joined 2nd Battalion The Royal Gurkha Rifles and served both in Brunei and the UK.

Known as 'Gaj' to his friends in the Army, LCpl Gurung served three times in Afghanistan during his military career. He previously deployed there in 2006 on Operation HERRICK 4 as part of D Company (Gurkha Reinforcement Company) with 7 Royal Horse Artillery. He deployed again in October 2008 on Operation HERRICK 9.

On 14 July 2009, he was posted to C Company, 1st Battalion The Yorkshire Regiment in Münster, Germany. Over the summer of 2010 he deployed to the British Army Training Unit in Suffield, Canada, and spent time on exercise with both the 1st The Queen's Dragoon Guards and 1st Battalion The Princess of Wales's Royal Regiment Battle Groups. Upon his return to Germany he became immersed in preparation for Operation HERRICK 15, during which he completed the basic Pashto language course.

On deploying to Afghanistan C Company was renamed D (Delhi) Company. After completing his in-theatre training, he moved forward to Forward Operating Base Khar Nikah where his Company, under command of Combined Force Nahr-e-Saraj (North), were to be based for the duration of Operation Herrick 15. His Company were tasked with holding the contested and critically influential area north east of Helmand's second city, Gereshk. On the afternoon of Friday 27 January 2012, Lance Corporal Gurung's patrol came under small arms fire. During the short exchange of gunfire that ensued, he was fatally wounded.

He leaves behind his wife Manisha, father Gum Bahadur, mother Lekh Maya, his brother Buddha and sister Junu.

Read more: http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews/MilitaryOperations/LanceCorporalGajbahadurGurungKilledInAfghanistan.htm

Soldier from 1 YORKS killed in Afghanistan

1/28/2012 07:21:00 AM SgtJim No Comments yet, your thoughts are welcome

It is with great sadness that the Ministry of Defence must announce that a soldier serving with 1st Battalion The Yorkshire Regiment was killed in Afghanistan today, Friday 27 January 2012.

A Military Operations news article

27 Jan 12

"It is my very sad duty to inform you that a soldier serving with 1st Battalion The Yorkshire Regiment was fatally wounded in an insurgent attack while on a foot patrol to disrupt insurgent activity in the Khar Nikah area of Nahr-e Saraj district in Helmand province.
"Our deepest condolences are with his family and friends at this tragic time."

The soldier's family have been informed and have asked for a period of grace before further details are released.

R.I.P. - Signaller Ian Sartorius-Jones

1/26/2012 12:07:00 AM SgtJim No Comments yet, your thoughts are welcome

Signaller Ian Sartorius-Jones dies in Afghanistan

It is with sadness that the Ministry of Defence must confirm the death of Signaller Ian Sartorius-Jones from 20th Armoured Brigade Headquarters and Signal Squadron (200) on Tuesday 24th January 2012 at Forward Operating Base Khar Nikah in the Nahr-e Saraj district of Helmand Province.

Signaller Ian Sartorius-Jones
[Picture: via MOD]

Signaller Ian Gerard Sartorius-Jones
Signaller Sartorius-Jones, 21, from Runcorn, Cheshire, enlisted in the Royal Corps of Signals in February 2007. Following his basic training, he attended the Royal School of Signals, Blandford, where he enjoyed a promising start to his career as a Communications Systems Operator.
He joined 20th Armoured Brigade Headquarters & Signal Squadron (200) in May 2008 where this talented and intelligent soldier deployed to Iraq on Operation TELIC 13. While in Iraq he contributed to the provision of communications and the closure of the Combined Operating Base Basra. He showed the raw talent on tour to be plucked from his duties in the Contingency Operating Base to serve with one of the Military Transition Teams providing communications and mentoring to the Iraqi forces. He took part in many exercises including a three month deployment to the British Army Training Unit Suffield in Canada and a string of Mission Specific Training exercises in Germany, Denmark and the UK. His sterling performances during these exercises and genuine aptitude for field soldiering saw him selected to work as a Rear Link Detachment Operator on Operation HERRICK 15.
Initially Detached to C Company, 3rd Battalion The Mercian Regiment (Staffords) and latterly D (DELHI) Company, 1st Battalion, The Yorkshire Regiment (Prince of Wales’ Own), this outgoing and charismatic Signaller was responsible for the maintenance of vital communications links from a Forward Operating Base in Nahr-e Saraj as well as conducting patrols alongside his Infantry counterparts.
Signaller Sartorius-Jones leaves behind his wife Kellyanne and young son Dylan as well as his parents Robert and Amanda Sartorius-Jones and brother, Alan, 26.
The family of Signaller Ian Sartorius-Jones, said:

“Ian was a lovable character, a devoted father to Dylan, who is 8 months old, husband to Kellyanne, a wonderful son to Robert and Amanda and brother to Alan. He will always be missed and loved by all his family and friends.”