21/09/2010

Second British Soldier Named

The Ministry of Defence has named the second British soldier killed in Afghanistan on Saturday.

While patrolling Lashkar Gah, Sgt Andrew Jones, 35, of the Royal Engineers, died alongside Trooper Andrew Howarth, of The Queen's Royal Lancers on Saturday.

Sergeant Jones' colleagues have described him as "an incredible ambassador" for the Royal Engineers.

Lieutenant Colonel Martin Todd MBE, Commanding Officer, The Queen's Royal Lancers commented: "Sergeant Andrew Jones had been attached to The Queen's Royal Lancers for 18 months, during which time he gained a peerless reputation as a tough, resolute soldier and leader.”

Sergeant Jones' wife Joanne said the father-of-three's death would "leave a gaping hole in our lives".

This brings the number of British military personnel killed in Afghanistan since 2001 to 337.

The deaths come after the announcement that British troops are to leave Sangin - one of the deadliest districts in southern Afghanistan, handing over responsibility to American forces.
Around 1,000 British troops in Sangin are to redeploy to central Helmand.

(BMcN/GK)









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