Two dead British troops named by MoD

The Ministry of Defence has named two British troops killed in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Kingsman Alex Green was killed in Basra on Saturday, while Royal Marine Thomas Curry died in the Helmand Province in Afghanistan on the same day.

Kingsman Green, 21, from 2nd Battalion The Duke of Lancaster's Regiment, was shot by small arms fire in the Hayy Al Muhandisn district of Basra in southern Iraq.

Kingsman Green, from Warrington, joined the Army at 19 and was described as a "professional soldier with real leadership and command potential".

His Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Colonel Simon Hutchinson MBE said: "Kingsman Alex Green was one of our most promising young soldiers. He loved what he did, and everyone respected how he did it.

"His determination, friendly nature and enthusiasm were a real inspiration. If you would capture in one man all that a Kingsman could hope to be, you would struggle to come closer to the mark than him."

Kingsman Green has a two-year-old son called Bradley. His family released a statement, which said: "Alex loved the Army and the services. It was all he had wanted to do. He had been a Marine Cadet and wanted to join the Marines but an injury prevented that, so he joined the Army.

"He was living his dream. He was proud of being in the Army and doing his duty."

Marine Curry, who was serving with 42 Commando Royal Marines, was killed in close-quarter fighting with Taleban fighters near Kajaki in Northern Helmand in Afghanistan.

A spokesperson for the MoD said: "In typical fashion, Marine Curry was leading his comrades courageously from the front when he came under enemy fire, whilst in the process of clearing an enemy compound. His section had already come under fire from a depth position, so the Marines had moved forward to close with the enemy."

Marine Curry, 21, from East London, joined the Royal Marines in 2005. During his initial commando training, Marine Curry was awarded the Commando Medal, having been voted by his peers as the man whose character best reflected the Commando qualities of unselfishness, leadership, determination and cheerfulness in the face of adversity.

His Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Colonel Matt Holmes Royal Marines, said: "The tragic loss of Marine Curry is felt deeply by all, a reflection of what he brought to life and all those who knew him. Tom died displaying the qualities so typical of him that had rapidly earned him the respect of his colleagues.

"He was at the front, courageously closing with the enemy, with no thought for his own safety, just that of his colleagues who were close by. He was a glowing example of what a Royal Marine represents: courageous, robust and highly professional. That he carried these qualities as a young man into the dangers of battle speaks volumes, and we are all immensely proud of him.

"Tom was also a self-effacing, utterly unselfish and cheerful individual, never slow to have a laugh at his own expense. His country has lost a brave, selfless servant who contributed much in his short time. In the close-knit community that is his company and commando unit, we feel his loss deeply, but our thoughts and prayers right now are with Tom's family and girlfriend at this difficult time."

(KMcA)