Afghanistan Fatalities Near 100

A British serviceman killed in an explosion in southern Afghanistan has been named.

The soldier - who died when his vehicle was caught in a blast north of Sangin, Helmand Province - was Dale Gostick, of 3 Troop Armoured Support Company, Royal Marines, pictured.

The victim was serving as a Viking operator in 3rd Troop of the Armoured Support Company when he was killed.

The death brought the number of British military personnel who have died in Afghanistan since 2001 to just three short of 100, being the 97th fatality.

His troop were returning to their Forward Operating Base, after providing support to 2 PARA Battle Group, when the Viking he was driving struck a suspected mine.

Despite the best efforts of the medical team on site, Marine Gostick was pronounced dead at the scene.

Another two Royal Marines were also injured in the blast and are still receiving medical treatment.

Marine Dale Gostick was known by his friends as "master chief general of the universe", which reflected his humorous and relaxed approach to life.

He was 22-years-old and from Oxford and joined the Royal Marines in late 2004, and after training, he joined Lima Company of 42 Commando Royal Marines, based in Plymouth.

In 2006 he successfully completed the Viking Operators Course based in Bovington and deployed to Afghanistan with the Armoured Support Company with 3 Commando Brigade.

During his two operational deployments to Afghanistan, Mne Gostick's support to the ground troops of 12 Mechanised Brigade, 52 Infantry Brigade and finally 16 Air Assault Brigade has been invaluable, said an MdD spokesman.

Dale's family paid him this tribute today: "Dale was much loved and respected by his family and all who knew him.

"Dale had a huge character, making time for all who needed him. His passing has left an irreplaceable hole in so many people's lives."

The other two British personnel who were injured in the attack had to be airlifted to Camp Bastion for treatment, the Ministry of Defence said.

Meanwhile, despite the tragedy, Defence Secretary Des Browne has described a sense of progress and optimism in Helmand after visiting British troops on a trip to Afghanistan.

He said: "I come away with a sense that we are succeeding against the insurgents, and that the Afghans' ability to deliver their own security is ever increasing.

"We must ensure that our efforts to provide security are matched by international and Afghan delivery of development."

After a series of briefings with key staff at Headquarters Multi-National Division (South East), Mr Browne yesterday took a short helicopter flight to the Basra Operations Centre, located at the former Shatt al'Arab Hotel.

(BMcC)