05/03/2007

MoD names soldiers killed in Afghanistan

The Ministry of Defence has named two soldiers killed in Afghanistan at the weekend.

Lance Bombardier Ross Clark and Lance Bombardier Liam McLoughlin, both from 29 Commando Regiment Royal Artillery, died during a rocket attack in the Sangin area of Helmand province on Saturday.

Lance Bombardier Clark, 25, was born in Zimbabwe and was brought up in South Africa before joining the British Army in April 2002.

Following his basic and specialist military training, he volunteered for service with 29 Commando Regiment Royal Artillery, passing the Commando Course in March 2003 and proceeding directly to war-fighting operations on the Al Faw Peninsula in Iraq.

In November 2004, he was posted to 148 (Meiktila) Commando Forward Observation Battery Royal Artillery, following completion of their selection course.

Lance Bombardier Clark deployed to Afghanistan on operations in September last year.

His Commanding Officer Lieutenant Colonel Neil Wilson RA said: "Ross was a determined, intelligent and motivated young man who epitomised the standards of professionalism against which we measure ourselves. He was extremely popular within the regiment and had already begun a rapid progression through the ranks."

Lance Bombardier Liam McLoughlin, 21, was brought up in Lancashire and enlisted in the army in September 2002, spending a year at the Army Foundation College in Harrogate before joining 29 Commando Regiment Royal Artillery in November 2003.

Having the passed the All Arms Commando Course, securing the right to his Green Beret, Lance Bombardier McLaughlin spent a brief period based at the Regimental Headquarters in Plymouth before moving to 148 Commando Forward Observation Battery Royal Artillery, a detached sub-unit in Poole, Dorset in November 2004.

He deployed to Afghanistan last September.

Lt Col Wilson said described him as a "real character". He said: "He was an extremely popular young soldier and undoubtedly had a bright future ahead of him. He leaves a void that will be felt by the entire regiment who are deeply shocked to a man."

Defence Secretary Des Browne said that he was "greatly saddened" to hear about the deaths.

(KMcA/SP)

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