MoD Names Soldier Killed In Afghanistan

The Ministry of Defence has named the British soldier killed in Afghanistan at the weekend as Corporal Darryl Gardiner from the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers.

Cpl Gardiner, 25, was serving in Afghanistan attached to 5th Regiment Royal Artillery and 52 Brigade's Reconnaissance Force.

The MoD said he was taking part in an operation to disrupt enemy forces and reassure local Afghans three kilometres north of Musa Qala district centre in Helmand Province on Sunday, when the vehicle he was travelling in was hit by a roadside mine strike, around 3:30pm local time.

Cpl Gardiner was evacuated by helicopter to the field hospital at Camp Bastion for medical treatment, but did not survive.

Five other soldiers were also injured in the explosion and are currently receiving medical care.

Cpl Gardiner was from Salisbury in Wiltshire and was known to his friends as 'Daz'. He deployed to Afghanistan on October 19 2007 with 52 Brigade and was attached to 5th Regiment Royal Artillery, which works with the 2nd Battalion The Yorkshire Regiment as part of the Brigade Reconnaissance Force; providing information for Task Force Helmand, based in Lashkar Gar. He was working as an armourer.

He leaves behind a girlfriend, Lucy.

A statement issued by Cpl Gardiner's family said: "The family are deeply proud that Darryl served his country."

Major Tony Phillips, Officer Commanding of Task Force Helmand's Brigade Reconnaissance Force, said: "Corporal 'Daz' Gardiner was an exceptional young man and a man that the Brigade Recce Force will miss so much. His death has been a bitter blow to us all."

Des Browne, Secretary of State for Defence, said: "The death of such a capable soldier as Corporal Gardiner is very sad. It is clear that he will be deeply missed, not only as a courageous and exemplary professional, but also as a kind friend. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends in their time of loss."

(KMcA)