Soldier Killed In Afghanistan Named

The Ministry of Defence has named the British soldier killed in Afghanistan on Tuesday as Trooper Jack Sadler from the Honourable Artillery Company.

Trooper Sadler, who was serving with 4/73 Special Observation Battery, Brigade Reconnaissance Force, died when the vehicle he was travelling in was caught in an explosion to the north of Sangin in the Helmand Province.

Two other soldiers were also injured in the blast. Their injuries are not believed to be life threatening.

Trooper Sadler was from Devon, but more recently had lived in London. He joined the Honourable Artillery Company as a recruit in October 2005.

The MoD said that Trooper Sadler put everything into his training and the operations that followed, proving himself to be a "dedicated and professional soldier", who was determined to join the regular army following his operational tour in Afghanistan.

Captain Jim McCaffrey, troop commander of 4/73 Special OP Battery, said: "Trooper Sadler was an extremely capable patrol soldier who was going from strength to strength in this demanding environment.

"He was a very intelligent individual who would always offer suggestions after working through a problem or difficult situation. He rapidly became an integral part of the troop despite only being with us for a few short months prior to deployment. He was always keen to be in the thick of the action and would not countenance being left behind.

"His dry wit and his resilient character will be sadly missed and our thoughts are with his family during this difficult."

Defence Secretary Des Browne said: "I was deeply saddened to learn of Trooper Sadler's death and my thoughts and sympathy are with his family at this difficult time. His dedication and bravery in volunteering for service in Afghanistan is in the highest traditions of the Army.

"He was clearly a talented and promising young man and I am sure that his loss will be felt by all who knew him."

(KMcA)