British Forces casualties in Afghanistan since 2001

The United Kingdom was one of the first countries which took part in Operation Enduring Freedom to topple the Taliban regime in autumn 2001. See Britain's role in the 2001-present Afghan war.

As of 13 September 2008, British forces have suffered 120 [ [http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/FactSheets/OperationsFactsheets/OperationsInAfghanistanBritishFatalities.htm Ministry of Defence factsheet - Operations in Afghanistan: British Fatalities] ] fatalities. The vast majority of fatalities have taken place since the redeployment of British forces to the Taliban stronghold of Helmand province, as prior to deployment in this area only five men died between April 2002 and early March 2006.

In all, 93 of the fatalities are classed as "killed in action" (KIA) and 27 are known to have died either as a result of illness, non-combat injuries or accidents, or have not yet officially been assigned a cause of death pending the outcome of an investigation. [ [http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/FactSheets/OperationsFactsheets/OperationsInAfghanistanBritishFatalities.htm Operations in Afghanistan: British Fatalities] ]

Centrally non-fatal casualty records records show that for the period 1 January 2006 to 15 June 2008:

*396 UK military and civilian personnel were admitted to UK Field Hospitals and categorised as Wounded in Action, including as a result of hostile action.
*1,183 UK military and civilian personnel were admitted to UK Field Hospitals for disease or non-battle injuries.
*57 UK personnel were categorised as Very Seriously Injured from all causes excluding disease.
*79 UK personnel were categorised as Seriously Injured from all causes excluding disease.
*1,186 UK personnel were aeromedically evacuated from Afghanistan on medical grounds, whatever the reason. [ [http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/FactSheets/OperationsFactsheets/OperationsInAfghanistanBritishCasualties.htm Ministry of Defence factsheet - Casualties] ]

Background

See Operation Herrick and Operation Veritas.

Supporting invasion of Afghanistan and serving in the Northern NATO command

Non-hostile deaths

The first three British casualties were non-hostile deaths in Kabul, from suicide, accidental weapons discharge and homicide.

Private Darren John George, who was killed by a ricocheting bullet fired by a comrade who had a dizzy spell [ [http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/essex/3108073.stm BBC - Private Darren John George] ] ,

Sergeant Robert Busuttil & Corporal John Gregory. Despite orders rationing beer to just two small cans a day to help prevent such events occurring, Corporal Gregory became involved in a drunken fight with Sergeant Busuttil at a barbecue. Gregory then left the barbecue and returned with a loaded SA80 rifle and killed Busuttil, firing the rifle at him 'Up to ten times'. Gregory then committed suicide with the weapon. The Army has was subsequently criticised by Wiltshire coroner David Masters when he recorded verdicts of unlawful killing on the death of Sergeant Busuttil and suicide on Corporal Gregory. [ [http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/wales/3117276.stm BBC - Army criticised by coroner after soldier shot dead a colleague before killing himself at party where both drink and guns were easily available.] ]

Kabul suicide attack (28 January 2004)

One British soldier was killed, and four injured in a suicide attack in Kabul. The British troops were in lightly armoured landrovers when a taxi swerved into their convoy and a bomber detonated 200Ibs of explosives [ [http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/devon/3441409.stm BBC - Part-time soldier dies in bombing] ] . The dead soldier was Private Jonathan Kitulagoda [ [http://www.operations.mod.uk/afghanistan/newsItem_id=2787.htm MoD Press release - Private Jonathan Kitulagoda] ] .

Mazar e-Sharif attack

Lance Corporal Steven Sherwood was killed and five wounded by a lone gunman outside the main Mosque in the former Northern Alliance stronghold of Mazar e-Sharif. As a result of its Northerly situation it is unlikely that the Taliban were involved [ [http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews/PeopleInDefence/LanceCorporalStevenSherwoodKilledInAfghanistan.htm People In Defence news article - Lance Corporal Steven Sherwood] ] .

2006 Kabul incidents

Private Leigh Reeves aged 25, and of the Royal Logistic Corps, died on Wednesday 9 August 2006 in a road traffic accident at Camp Souter, Kabul [ [http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews/MilitaryOperations/PrivateLeighReevesKilledInRoadTrafficAccidentInAfghanistan.htm Military Operations news article - Private Leigh Reeves] ] . There was no insurgent involvement.

Private Craig O’Donnell, 24, B Company of The Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, 5th Battalion the Royal Regiment of Scotland died in a suicide bomb attack on Monday 4 September 2006 [ [http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews/MilitaryOperations/PrivateCraigOdonnellKilledInAfghanistan.htm Military Operations news article - Private Craig O'Donnell] ] .

As part of Operation Enduring Freedom

March 2006

Corporal Mark Cridge died in Camp Bastion, Afghanistan, on 22 March [ [http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/south_asia/4843744.stm BBC - Corporal Mark Cridge] ] . The Oxfordshire Coroner subsequently recorded an inquest verdict of suicide on 22nd February 2007 [ [http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/ld200607/ldhansrd/text/70329-wms0003.htm Hansard report on Oxfordshire coroners' inquests of servicemen and related civilian deaths 1998 to May 2006] ] .

Lance Corporal Peter Edward Craddock died in Lashkar Gah, southern Afghanistan on Monday 27 March. L/Cpl Craddock died as a result of a road traffic accident and enemy forces are not thought to have been involved. [ [http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/south_asia/4854804.stm BBC - Lance Corporal Peter Edward Craddock] ]

June 2006

Captain Jim Philippson was killed on 11 June, in a gunbattle with suspected Taliban militants whilst he participated in a mobile patrol. [ [http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/beds/bucks/herts/5116244.stm BBC - Captain Jim Philippson] ]

Captain David Patten who was a member of the Special Reconnaissance Regiment (SRR) and Sergeant Paul Bartlett who was a member of the Special Boat Service (SBS) were killed in a fierce firefight with Taleban forces near the town of Sangin, Helmand Province, Southern Afghanistan early in the morning of 27 June. Both men were killed during an operation to detain a number of leading Taliban figures within the Sangin Valley [ [http://www.mod.uk/defenceinternet/defencenews/militaryoperations/captaindavidpattenandsergeantpaulbartlettkilledinafghanistanon27june2006.htm Military Operations news article - Captain David Patten & Sergeant Paul Bartlett] ] .

July 2006

Corporal Peter Thorpe and Lance Corporal Jabron Hashmi died on 1 July 2006, the two British soldiers and their Afghan interpreter were killed, and a number of others wounded when a rocket propelled grenade hit the government compound they were defending in the town of Sangin. Lance Corporal Jabron Hashmi was the first Muslim British soldier to be killed in either Iraq or Afghanistan. [ [http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/south_asia/5137956.stm BBC - Corporal Peter Thorpe & Lance Corporal Jabron Hashmi] ]

Private Damien Raymond Jackson, the 3rd Battalion the Parachute Regiment, died as a result of injuries sustained during a firefight with Taliban forces at approximately 1400 hours local time in Sangin, central Helmand Province. The incident occurred during a security patrol to clear a Helicopter landing site [ [http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews/MilitaryOperations/PrivateDamienJacksonKilledInAfghanistan.htm Military Operations news article - Private Damien Raymond Jackson] ] .

Since ISAF Stage 3, July, 31, 2006

August 2006 to December 2006

August 2006

Captain Alex Eida, 2nd Lieutenant Ralph Johnson and Lance Corporal Ross Nicholl were killed after a vehicle patrol was ambushed by militants in a northern district of Helmand province in southern Afghanistan on 1 August, they were ambushed with RPGs, AK-47s and a heavy machine gun [ [http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews/MilitaryOperations/CaptainAlexEida2ndLieutenantRalphJohnsonAndLanceCorporalRossNichollsKilledInAfghanistan.htm Military Operations news article: Captain Alex Eida, 2nd Lieutenant Ralph Johnson and Lance Corporal Ross Nicholl] ] .

Private Andrew Barrie Cutts of 13 Air Assault Support Regiment was taking part in an action in Musa Qala, Helmand province, against insurgents when he was killed on 6 August. Troops came under "substantial fire" from Taliban during the operation, which involved 500 British troops, which was their largest action against the Taliban and the operation was supported by Afghan forces [ [http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews/MilitaryOperations/PrivateAndrewCuttsKilledInSouthernAfghanistan.htm Military Operations news article: Private Andrew Cutts] ] .

Lance Corporal Sean Tansey, 26, of the Household Cavalry Regiment, died as he repaired a damaged Scimitar tank at a military base in Helmand province on 12 August. [cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/4788923.stm|title=Lance Corporal Sean Tansey|publisher=BBC News|quote=Accident death UK soldier named] This was subsequently found to be due to negligence on the part of the British Ministry of Defence, because the MoD failed to provide his regiment with proper equipment and training [cite web|url=http://news.sky.com/skynews/article/0,,91211-1311044,00.html|title=Lance Corporal Sean Tansey - Death due to MoD Negligence|publisher=Sky News|quote=Coroner: Soldier Died Due To Neglect] .

Corporal Bryan Budd, of the 3rd Battalion, the Parachute Regiment, died in a gun battle with Taliban forces in Helmand province, southern Afghanistan, on 20 August. He had been in the Army for 10 years serving in Yugoslavia, Sierra Leone, Macedonia, Afghanistan and Iraq and was about to be promoted to platoon sergeant when he died. [ [http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/5269272.stm BBC - Corporal Bryan Budd] ] He was subsequently awarded the Victoria Cross for his actions [cite web|url=http://www.victoriacross.org.uk/bbbudd2.htm
title=Corporal Bryan Budd VC|publisher=www.victoriacross.org.uk|quote=Thursday, 14th December 2006. The Ministry of Defence has confirmed the award of a posthumous Victoria Cross for acts of "inspirational leadership and the greatest valour"] .

Lance Corporal Jonathan Hetherington was shot dead while fighting rebels during an assault on his platoon house in Musa Qaleh in northern Helmand province on 27 August. [ [http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/5293234.stm BBC: Lance Corporal Jonathan Hetherington] ]

eptember 2006

Ranger Anare Draiva of 1 Royal Irish Regiment, who was Fijian, died on 1 September in northern Helmand following an attack by insurgents [ [http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews/MilitaryOperations/RangerAnareDraivaKilledInAfghanistan.htm Military Operations news article: Ranger Anare Draiva] ]

RAF Nimrod crash

Fourteen British servicemen where killed when their Nimrod surveillance aircraft crashed following an onboard fire. The fire caused when a fuel transfer pipe inside the aircraft ruptured during in-flight refueling. The aircraft was serialed XV230 and was crewed by RAF Flight personnel drawn from No 120 Squadron at RAF Kinloss. The dead were named as Flt Lt Steven Johnson, Flt Lt Leigh Anthony Mitchelmore, Flt Lt Gareth Nicholas, Flt Lt Allan Squires, Flt Lt Steven Swarbrick, Flt Sgt Gary Andrews, Flt Sgt Stephen Beattie, Flt Sgt Gerard Bell,Flt Sgt Adrian Davis, Sergeant Benjamin James Knight, Sergeant John Joseph Langton and Sergeant Gary Paul Quilliam. Also operational onboard the aircraft were personnel from the British Army and British Naval Service, they were Corporal Oliver Simon Dicketts of the Parachute Regiment and Marine Joseph David Windall of the Royal Marines [ [http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews/MilitaryOperations/FourteenPersonnelInAfghanistanNimrodCrashNamed.htm Military Operations news article: Fourteen Personnel in Nimrod Crash Named] ] who were both serving with the Special Reconnaissance Regiment.

Corporal Mark William Wright, 27, from Edinburgh, of the Parachute Regiment, died after a patrol entered an unmarked minefield in Helmand province. Cpl Wright died attempting to save the life of an injured paratrooper [ [http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews/MilitaryOperations/CorporalMarkWilliamWrightKilledInAfghanistan.htm Military Operations news article: Corporal Mark Wright] ] . He was later awarded the George Cross posthumously.

Lance Corporal Paul Muirhead, 29, of the Royal Irish Regiment, from Bearley, Warwickshire, died of injuries on 6 September, after an attack on 1 September. He was wounded during a Taleban attack on his base at Musa Quala, in Helmand province. He had been receiving specialist medical care since the attack and his parents were with him when he died [ [http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews/MilitaryOperations/LanceCorporalPaulMuirheadKilledInAfghanistan.htm Military Operations news article: Lance Corporal Pail Muirhead] ] .

Lance Corporal Luke McCulloch, 21, of the 1st Battalion, the Royal Irish Regiment, was killed in a battle with Taleban rebels. The fighting took place in Sangin, Helmand province. [ [http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews/MilitaryOperations/LanceCorporalLukeMccullochKilledInAfghanistan.htm Military Operations news article: Lance Corporal Luke McCulloch] ]

October 2006

Marine Gary Wright, aged 22, serving with Reconnaissance Troop, 45 Commando Royal Marines, was killed along with two children when a suicide bomber on foot detonated explosives next to the Land Rover in which Wright was travelling; one other Royal Marine was seriously injured. [ [http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/tayside_and_central/6070260.stm BBC Scotland: Marine Gary Wright] ]

December 2006

Marine Jonathan Wigley, of Zulu Company, 45 Commando, Royal Marines, was killed during a four hour battle with the Taliban on the outskirts of the village of Garmsir in Helmand province, Southern Afghanistan. Marine Wigleys' death is believed to be the result of friendly fire which occurred when air support for ground troops was called to within a range termed "Danger close". [ [http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews/MilitaryOperations/MarineJonathanWigleyKilledInAfghanistan.htm Military Operations news article - Marine Jonathan Wigley] ]

Marine Richard Watson, of K Company, 42 Commando Royal Marines was killed on 12 December during a fierce firefight with Taliban fighters in the town of Now Zad in Helmand Province, Southern Afghanistan. [ [http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews/MilitaryOperations/MarineRichardJWatsonKilledInAfghanistan.htm Military Operations news article - Marine Richard Watson] ]

Lance Bombardier James Dwyer, of 29 Commando Regiment, Royal Artillery died on Wednesday 27 December 2006, aged 22. He was killed when the vehicle he was driving struck an anti-tank mine whilst on a patrol in southern Helmand [ [http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews/MilitaryOperations/LanceBombardierJamesDwyerKilledInAfghanistan.htm Military Operations news article - Lance Bombardier James Dwyer] ] .

January 2007 to December 2007

January 2007

Marine Thomas Curry, aged 21, died on Saturday 13 January 2007 when elements of 42 Commando Royal Marines were engaged in a deliberate offensive operation near Kajaki, in Northern Helmand, Afghanistan. The Royal Marines Commandos were engaged in close-quarter fighting with the Taleban, and it was during this action that Marine Curry was killed. He died instantly as a result of enemy small arms fire [ [http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews/MilitaryOperations/MarineThomasCurryKilledInAfghanistan.htm Military Operations news article - Marine Thomas Curry] ] .

Lance Corporal Mathew Ford, from 45 Commando Royal Marines, died on Monday 15 January 2007 aged 30. Lance Corporal Ford died when elements of 45 Commando Royal Marines were engaged in a deliberate offensive operation to the south of Garmsir in southern Helmand, Afghanistan. The Royal Marine Commandos were attacking a major Taliban fort, and during the initial breach of the compound Lance Corporal Ford was shot and killed instantly [ [http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews/MilitaryOperations/LanceCorporalMathewFordKilledInAfghanistan.htm Military Operations news article - Lance Corporal Mathew Ford] ] . Subsequent investigation by the British MOD, and a review by a Board of Enquiry into the evidence collected, found that LCpl Ford was most likely a victim of 'Friendly Fire' [ [http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews/DefencePolicyAndBusiness/PublicationOfLanceCorporalMathewFordBoardOfInquiry.htm Military Operations news article - L/Cpl Ford - Board of Enquiry] ] .

February 2007

Marine Jonathan Holland, aged 23, from 45 Commando was killed by an anti-personnel mine during a routine patrol in the Sangin District of Helmand province on 21 February 2007 [ [http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews/MilitaryOperations/RoyalMarineJonathanHollandKilledInAfghanistan.htm Military Operations news article - Marine Jonathan Holland] ] .

Marine Scott Summers, age 23, of 42 Commando Royal Marines died on Wednesday 21 February 2007 as a result of injuries sustained in a road traffic accident earlier that month in Afghanistan. The accident occurred when the Marine Summers was driving a Pinzgauer vehicle as part of a routine convoy in Helmand province on 4 February 2007. After initial treatment, Marine Summers was transported back to a specialist unit in the UK where he later died. [ [http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews/MilitaryOperations/MarineScottSummersDiesOfInjuriesSustainedInAfghanistan.htm Military Operations news article - Marine Scott Summers] ] .

March 2007

Lance Bombardier Ross Clark aged 25 from South Africa, and Lance Bombardier Liam McLaughlin, aged 21 from Lancashire, both of 29 Commando Regiment Royal Artillery, were killed during a rocket attack in the Sangin area of Helmand province on Saturday 3 March 2007 [ [http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews/MilitaryOperations/LanceBombardiersRossClarkAndLiamMclaughlinKilledInAfghanistan.htm Military Operations news article - Lance Bombardier Ross Clark] ] . Marine Benjamin Reddy aged 22 from Ascot in Berkshire, of 42 Commando Royal Marines was killed when his unit came under fire in the Kajaki area of Helmand Province on Tuesday 6 March 2007 [ [http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews/MilitaryOperations/MarineBenjaminReddyKilledInAfghanistan.htm Military Operations news article - Marine Benjamin Reddy] ] . Warrant Officer Class 2 Michael Smith, aged 39 from Liverpool, serving with 29 Commando Regiment Royal Artillery died from injuries sustained when a grenade was fired at the UK base in Sangin, Helmand Province, on Thursday 8 March 2007 [ [http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews/MilitaryOperations/Wo2MichaelSmithKilledInAfghanistan.htm Military Operations news article - Warrant Officer Class 2 Michael Smith] ] .

April 2007

Private Chris Gray aged 19 from Leicestershire, a soldier of A Company, 1st Battalion The Royal Anglian Regiment, was killed in action whilst fighting the Taliban in Helmand Province, Afghanistan on Friday 13 April 2007 [ [http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews/MilitaryOperations/PrivateChrisGrayKilledInAfghanistan.htm Military Operations news article - Private Chris Grey] ] .

May 2007

Corporal Mike Gilyeat aged, 28 from the Royal Military Police, died on Wednesday 30 May 2007 when the American Chinook helicopter he was travelling in crashed in the Kajaki area of northern Helmand [ [http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews/MilitaryOperations/CorporalMikeGilyeatKilledInAfghanistan.htm Military Operations news article - Corporal Mike Gilyeat] ] .

Corporal Darren Bonner aged 31 from Norfolk, died on Monday 28 May 2007, in Helmand Province, Afghanistan. Corporal Bonner was the lead Signaller serving with A (Norfolk) Company Group, 1 Royal Anglian Battlegroup, and had been travelling in a convoy roughly 11km east of Hyderabad in the Gereshk region of Helmand Province when an explosion hit his vehicle [ [http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews/MilitaryOperations/CorporalDarrenBonnerKilledInAfghanistan.htm Military Operations news article - Corporal Darren Bonner] ] .

Guardsman Daniel Probyn aged 22 from Tipton, 1st Battalion the Grenadier Guards died on Saturday 26 May 2007 following an explosion during an offensive operation to clear a Taliban stronghold on the outskirts of the town of Garmsir, in Southern Helmand [ [http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews/MilitaryOperations/GuardsmanDanielProbynKilledInAfghanistan.htm Military Operations news article - Guardsman Daniel Probyn] ] . Four soldiers from the battalion were also injured in the incident.

Lance Corporal George Russell Davey aged 23 and from Suffolk, was killed on Sunday 20 May 2007 as a result of injuries sustained in a tragic fiearms accident at the British base in Sangin, Afghanistan [ [http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews/MilitaryOperations/LanceCorporalGeorgeRussellDaveyKilledInAfghanistan.htm Military Operations news article - Lance Corporal George Russell Davey] ] . The Coroner's inquest at Lowestoft subsequently recorded a verdict of accidental death [cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/7075517.stm|title=LCpl George Russell Davey shooting incident|publisher=BBC News|quote=Gun death was 'cleaning accident']

Guardsman Simon Davison was killed by small arms fire while manning a checkpoint near the town of Garmsir in Helmand Province on Thursday 3 May 2007. He was from 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards, and was operating from Forward Operating Base Delhi in Garmsir District Centre, southern Helmand Province. Guardsman Davison was aged 22 and from Newcastle-Upon-Tyne [ [http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews/MilitaryOperations/GuardsmanSimonDavisonKilledInAfghanistan.htm Military Operations news article - Guardsman Simon Davison] ] .

June 2007

Lance Corporal Paul "Sandy" Sandford aged 23 and from Nottingham, serving with 1st Battalion The Worcestershire and Sherwood Foresters, was killed while taking part in an offensive patrol with his company aimed at disrupting Taliban forces in the Upper Gereshk Valley area of Helmand Province on Wednesday 6 June 2007 [cite web|url=http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews/MilitaryOperations/LanceCorporalPaulsandySandfordKilledInAfghanistan.htm|title=Lance Corporal Paul "Sandy" Sandford|publisher=Uk MoD|quote=The Ministry of Defence must confirm the death of Lance Corporal Paul "Sandy" Sandford] .

Guardsman Neil 'Tony' Downes was killed on Saturday 9 June 2007 when his vehicle was hit by an explosion on a patrol with the Afghan National Army close to the town of Sangin in Helmand province, Afghanistan [cite web|url=http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews/MilitaryOperations/GuardsmanNeiltonyDownesKilledInAfghanistan.htm|title=Guardsman Neil 'Tony' Downes|publisher=UK MoD|quote=Ministry of Defence must confirm the death of Guardsman Neil 'Tony' Downes.] . Guardsman Downes was aged 20 and from Manchester

Drummer Thomas Wright, 21, from Ripley, Derbyshire, 1st Battalion The Worcestershire and Sherwood Foresters Regiment, was killed on Sunday 24 June 2007 when the vehicle he was travelling in was caught in an explosion near Lashkar Gah, Helmand province [cite web|url=http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews/MilitaryOperations/DrummerThomasWrightKilledInAfghanistan.htm|title=Drummer Thomas Wright|publisher=UK MoD|quote=Drummer Thomas Wright joined The Worcestershire and Sherwood Foresters Regiment in 2003] . Four other soldiers were also injured in the explosion.

Captain Sean Dolan of the 1st Battalion aged 40, The Worcestershire and Sherwood Foresters Regiment, died as a result of a mortar round in Helmand Province, Afghanistan, on Saturday 30 June 2007. Captain Dolan was acting as a Liaison Officer between the battalion and a joint US Task Force and Afghan National Army operation. Captain Dolan, and the forces that he was attached to, were observing a substantial force of Taliban fighters from the edge of a vantage point, when they came under fire from Taliban mortars. The first mortar round fatally wounded Captain Dolan and seriously injured a US soldier [cite web|url=http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews/MilitaryOperations/CaptainSeanDolanKilledInAfghanistan.htm|title=Captain Sean Dolan|publisher=UK MoD|quote=The Ministry of Defence confirms the death of Captain Sean Dolan of the 1st Battalion, The Worcestershire and Sherwood Foresters Regiment]

July 2007

Sergeant Dave Wilkinson, aged 33, from 19 Regiment Royal Artillery, serving with 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards died following an explosion during a routine joint patrol with the Afghan National Army in Gereshk, Helmand province on Sunday 1 July 2007. The patrol was conducting routine operations with the Afghan National Army when it was struck by an improvised explosive device. Although all the injured soldiers were quickly extracted by helicopter to the ISAF medical facility at Camp Bastion, Sergeant Wilkinson was pronounced dead on arrival. Four other members of the patrol were injured [cite web|url=http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews/MilitaryOperations/SergeantDaveWilkinsonFrom19RegimentRoyalArtilleryKilledInAfghanistan.htm|title=Sergeant Dave Wilkinson|publisher=Military Operations news article|quote=Sergeant Dave Wilkinson from 19 Regiment Royal Artillery killed in Afghanistan] .

Guardsman Daryl Hickey from the 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards was killed in southern Afghanistan on Thursday 12 July 2007. Gdn Hickey was part of a fire team providing covering fire as others in his platoon assaulted a Taliban position. During the enemy contact he suffered a gunshot wound. Gdn Hickey was rapidly evacuated by helicopter but was pronounced dead on arrival at the field hospital [cite web|url=http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews/MilitaryOperations/GuardsmanDarylHickeyFrom1stBattalionGrenadierGuardsKilledInAfghanistan.htm|title=Guardsman Daryl Hickey|publisher=UK MoD 'Military Operations' news article|quote=It is with profound sadness that the Ministry of Defence must confirm the death of Guardsman Daryl Hickey.] . Two other soldiers were injured in the action.

Lance Corporal Alex Hawkins, aged 22, of 1st Battalion The Royal Anglian Regiment, was killed in southern Afghanistan on Wednesday 25 July 2007.

Guardsman David Atherton from the 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards was killed in southern Afghanistan on Thursday 26 July 2007.

Sergeant Barry Keen of 14 Signal Regiment was killed by a mortar attack in southern Afghanistan on Friday 27 July 2007.

Lance Corporal Michael Jones Royal Marines was killed in action during operations in southern Afghanistan on Sunday 29 July 2007.

August 2007

Senior Aircraftman Christopher Bridge, aged 20 and serving with C flight, 51 Squadron Royal Air Force Regiment. At a little after midnight on the morning of 30 August 2007 (local time) SAC Bridge was in a vehicle that was conducting a routine security patrol around Kandahar Airfield when it was caught in an explosion [ [http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews/MilitaryOperations/SeniorAircraftmanChristopherBridge51SquadronRoyalAirForceRegimentKilledInAfghanistan.htm Military Operations news article - Senior Aircraftman Christopher Bridge] ] . A local interpreter was also killed and two other soldiers were injured.

Private Aaron James (Troy) McClure, Private Robert Graham Foster and Private John Thrumble all from 7 Platoon, B 'SUFFOLK' Company, 1st Battalion The Royal Anglian Regiment, were killed in Afghanistan on Thursday 23 August 2007. During a fighting patrol north west of Kajaki, in northern Helmand Province, southern Afghanistan, 7 platoon came under determined and accurate fire from the Taliban. A fierce firefight ensued and air support was requested and was supplied by two USAF F15E Aircraft, one of which dropped a bomb short of the intended target area killing the three soldiers [ [http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews/MilitaryOperations/PrivatesAaronMcclureRobertFosterAndJohnThrumbleKilledInAfghanistan.htm Military Operations news article - Private Aaron James (Troy) McClure, Private Robert Graham Foster & Private John Thrumble.] ] .

Captain David Hicks, aged 26, Second-In-Command of C (Essex) Company, 1st Battalion The Royal Anglian Regiment was killed on Saturday 11 August 2007 during a violent attack on his patrol base north east of Sangin, in Helmand Province. At 1320 hours local time the patrol base came under attack from small arms fire, rocket propelled grenades, and indirect fire. It was during this engagement that Captain Hicks was injured. An emergency response helicopter took him to the medical facility at Camp Bastion for treatment, but he did not survive his injuries [ [http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews/MilitaryOperations/CaptainDavidHicksOf1stBattalionTheRoyalAnglianRegimentKilledInAfghanistan.htm Military Operations news article - Captain David Hicks] ] .

Private Tony (Nicey) Rawson, aged 27, from 11 Platoon, C (Essex) Company, 1st Battalion The Royal Anglian Regiment on Friday 10 August 2007. Pte Rawson was part of a fighting patrol which came under heavy fire from Taliban fighters shortly before 0600 hours local time. He was prononced dead at the scene of the firefight [ [http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews/MilitaryOperations/PrivateTonyRawsonOf1stBattalionTheRoyalAnglianRegimentKilledInAfghanistan.htm Military Operations news article - Private Tony Rawson] ] .

eptember 2007

Private Damian Wright and Private Ben Ford. Wednesday 5 September 2007. The soldiers, both from the 2nd Battalion The Mercian Regiment (Worcesters and Foresters), were taking part in a routine reassurance patrol 17km north of Lashkar Gah when, shortly after 0915 hours local time, the Land Rover vehicle they were travelling in was caught in an explosion. They were both pronounced dead at the scene. Another soldier and an interpreter who were injured in the explosion [http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews/MilitaryOperations/PrivateDamianWrightAndPrivateBenFordKilledInAfghanistan.htm] .

Sergeant Craig Brelsford (aged 25) and Private Johan Botha (aged 25), both from 2nd Battalion The Mercian Regiment (Worcesters and Foresters), were killed in Helmand Province on Saturday 8 September 2007. They were taking part in a pre-planned operation to disrupt Taliban activity, south of Garmsir, southern Helmand Province, when their patrol was attacked by enemy fighters [http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews/MilitaryOperations/SergeantCraigBrelsfordAndPrivateJohanBothaKilledInAfghanistan.htm] . A number of other soldiers were also injured in the incident, two seriously.

Corporal Ivano Violino from 36 Engineer Regiment died in Helmand province, southern Afghanistan on Monday 17 September 2007. He was 29 years old. Corporal Violino was commanding an FL12 Self-Loading Dump Truck on a routine logistics convoy, moving vital engineering equipment to a Forward Operating Base 19km north east of the town of Gereshk in Helmand province, when his vehicle was caught in an explosion [http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews/MilitaryOperations/CorporalIvanoViolinoKilledInAfghanistan.htm] .

Colour Sergeant Phillip Newman aged 36, 4th Battalion The Mercian Regiment, and Private Brian Tunnicliffe aged 33, 2nd Battalion The Mercian Regiment (Worcesters and Foresters), died in in a tragic accident in southern Afghanistan on Thursday 20 September 2007. They were travelling in a Pinzgauer 4X4, 5km south west of their patrol base in an area north of Gereshk, on their way to a rendezvous point as part of a two vehicle replenishment patrol. The vehicle over-turned and tragically landed on its roof in an irrigation channel. One other passenger was able to escape without injury [http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews/MilitaryOperations/ColourSergeantPhillipNewmanPrivateBrianTunnicliffeKilledInAfghanistan.htm] .

October 2007

Major Alexis Roberts, serving with 1st Battalion The Royal Gurkha Rifles (but usually an Officer of 2nd Battalion RGR) died as a result of an improvised explosive device in southern Afghanistan on Thursday 4 October 2007 [http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews/MilitaryOperations/MajorAlexisRobertsOfRgrKilledInAfghanistan.htm] .

November 2007

Lance Corporal Jake Alderton aged 22 from Bexley, of 36 Engineer Regiment died in southern Afghanistan on Friday 9 November 2007 the vehicle he was travelling in left the road and rolled off a bridge [http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews/MilitaryOperations/LanceCorporalJakeAldertonOf36EngineerRegimentKilledInAfghanistan.htm] .

Captain John McDermid, The Royal Highland Fusiliers, 2nd Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland, aged 43 from Glasgow. On Wednesday 14 November 2007 in southern Afghanistan Captain McDermid, who was serving with 2nd Battalion The Yorkshire Regiment, was leading a joint UK and Afghan National Army patrol to the south of the district centre of Sangin in Helmand Province, during which he was also mentoring an Afghan National Army officer in the leadership and infantry skills that platoon commanders need. At approximately 1130 hours local time an Improvised Explosive Device detonated, which resulted in the death of Captain McDermid and serious injury to the Afghan interpreter who was accompanying him. [http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews/MilitaryOperations/CaptainJohnMcdermidKilledInAfghanistan.htm]

December 2007

Sergeant Lee Johnson of 2nd Battalion The Yorkshire Regiment (Green Howards). On Saturday 8 December 2007, in southern Afghanistan. Shortly before 1010 hours local time Sergeant Johnson was taking part in operations to recapture the town of Musa Qaleh in Helmand Province in what has become known as the Battle of Musa Qala when an explosive device detonated - suspected to be a mine - resulting in the death of Sergeant Johnson and inflicting serious injuries to another soldier in the same vehicle. [http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews/MilitaryOperations/SergeantLeeJohnsonOf2ndBattalionTheYorkshireRegimentKilledInAfghanistan.htm] Sergent Johnson was subsequently 'Mentioned In Dispatches' for his actions. [http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews/HistoryAndHonour/OperationalHonoursAndAwardsList25July2008.htm]

January 2008 to present

January 2008

Trooper Jack Sadler, aged 21, of The Honourable Artillery Company. Whilst serving with 4/73 Special Observation Battery, Brigade Reconnaissance Force Tpr Sadler was killed in an explosion in southern Afghanistan on 4 December 2007. At just after 1300 hrs local time the soldiers were on a tactical patrol to the north of Sangin, Helmand Province, when the vehicle they were travelling in was caught in an explosion. Two other soldiers were also injured as a result of the blast. [http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews/MilitaryOperations/TrooperJackSadlerKilledInAfghanistan.htm]

Corporal Darryl Gardiner, Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, aged 25 from Salisbury in Wiltshire, was taking part in an operation to disrupt enemy forces and reassure local Afghans on Sunday 20th January 2008 in southern Afghanistan, three kilometres north of Musa Qala district centre in Helmand Province. Shortly after 1530 hours local time the vehicle he was travelling in was hit by a roadside mine strike. Corporal Gardiner was evacuated by helicopter to the field hospital at Camp Bastion for medical treatment but did not survive. Five other soldiers were injured in the explosion. [http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews/MilitaryOperations/CorporalDarrylGardinerKilledInAfghanistan.htm]

February 2008

Corporal Damian Stephen Lawrence, 2nd Battalion The Yorkshire Regiment (Green Howards), aged 25 from Whitby, Sunday 17 February 2008, in Helmand Province, southern Afghanistan. Shortly before 2100 hours local time Corporal Lawrence was taking part in a joint UK - Afghan National Army night patrol in Kajaki, tasked with clearing a number of compounds. Immediately upon entry into a compound an explosive device detonated fatally injuring Corporal Lawrence. Another soldier was also wounded, but his injuries are not life-threatening. [http://www.mod.uk/NR/exeres/90E58650-1C6B-44FD-88D2-934A429A8918,frameless.htm] Corporal Lawrence was later posthumously 'Mentioned in Dispatches' for his actions. [http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews/HistoryAndHonour/OperationalHonoursAndAwardsList25July2008.htm]

Corporal Damian Mulvihill, 40 Commando Royal Marines, aged 32 from Plymouth. Shortly before 1215 hrs local time on 20 February 2008 Corporal Mulvihill was taking part in a joint ISAF – ANA patrol engaged in operations near Sangin. The marines of Alpha Company were conducting a clearance patrol to deter Taliban intimidation of local Afghans. It was during this action that an Improvised Explosive Device was detonated, which killed Corporal Mulvihill instantly.. [http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews/MilitaryOperations/CorporalDamianMulvihillKilledInAfghanistan.htm]

March 2008

Lieutenant John Thornton (aged 22) and Marine David Marsh (aged 23) both of 40 Commando Royal Marines. Just after 1653 hours local time on Sunday 30ty March 2008, the Marines were conducting a patrol in the vicinity of Kajaki, Helmand province, when the vehicle they were travelling in was caught in an explosion. Medical treatment was provided prior to both being evacuated to the field hospital at Camp Bastion. Despite the best efforts of the medical team, both sadly died as a result of their wounds. [http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews/MilitaryOperations/LieutenantJohnThorntonAndMarineDavidMarshKilledInAfghanistan.htm]

April 2008

Senior Aircraftman Gary Thompson, aged 51, of No 504 (County of Nottingham) Squadron the Royal Auxiliary Air Force, and Senior Aircraftman Graham Livingstone who served with No 3 Squadron the RAF Regiment, were both killed by a roadside bomb whilst on patrol in Kandahar. Senior Aircraftman Thompson is the oldest British serviceman to die in Afghanistan. [http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/7349677.stm]

Trooper Robert Pearson, aged 22, of the Queen's Royal Lancers. At approximately 0900hrs local time on Monday 21 April 2008 Trooper Pearson was part of the Armoured Support Company Royal Marines who were providing security to a resupply convoy that was returning to Camp Bastion when the vehicle he was driving hit a suspected mine. Another soldier was injured in the blast and received medical treatment. [http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews/MilitaryOperations/TrooperRobertPearsonKilledInAfghanistan.htm]

May 2008

Trooper Ratu Babakobau, aged 29, of the Household Cavalry Regiment was killed Friday 2 May 2008 in Helmand, Afghanistan at 1350hrs local time whilst providing protection for a routine patrol in the Nowzad area of northern Helmand. The vehicle he was travelling in suffered a minestrike. Three other British soldiers and one local national were also injured in the incident. [http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews/MilitaryOperations/TrooperRatuSakeasiBabakobauOfTheHouseholdCavalryRegimentKilledInHelmand.htm]

James Thompson a soldier in the SAS (Reserve) died in an explosion in Afghanistan, Monday 19 May 2008. The soldier was patrolling on foot in Musa Qala, Helmand, when he was caught in an explosion and died. No one else was injured. [cite web|url=http://www.modoracle.com/news/Soldier-Killed-In-Afghanistan_15807.html|title=Soldier Killed In Afghanistan|publisher=MoD Oracle|quote=It is with deep sadness that the Ministry of Defence has confirmed the death of James Thompson in Afghanistan on 19 May 2008.] .

Marine Dale Gostick, of 3 Troop Armoured Support Company, Royal Marines was killed in action at the Sangin crossing of the Helmand River, southern Helmand province, Afghanistan, Sunday 25 May 2008. His troop were returning to their Forward Operating Base, when the BvS 10 Viking he was driving struck a suspected mine. Another two Royal Marines were also injured in the blast and received medical treatment. [http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews/MilitaryOperations/MarineDaleGostickKilledInAfghanistan.htm]

June 2008

Private Nathan Cuthbertson, Private Daniel Gamble and Private Charles Murray of 2nd Battalion The Parachute Regiment died on Sunday 8 June 2008 in Helmand Province, Afghanistan. At approximately 1100 hours local time, the soldiers were on a routine foot patrol 1km west of their Forward Operating Base in the Upper Sangin Valley when their patrol suffered a suicide explosive device. [cite web|url=http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews/MilitaryOperations/PrivatesNathanCuthbertsonDanielGambleAndCharlesMurrayKilledInAfghanistan.htm|title=Privates Nathan Cuthbertson, Daniel Gamble and Charles Murray killed in Afghanistan|publisher=UK MoD|quote=At approximately 1100 hours local time, the soldiers were on a routine foot patrol 1km west of their Forward Operating Base in the Upper Sangin Valley when their patrol suffered a suicide explosive device.] Their deaths brought the total number of British forces who have died in Afghanistan to 100.

Lance Corporal James Bateman and Private Jeff Doherty of 2nd Battalion The Parachute Regiment (2 Para) both died on Thursday 12 June 2008 in Helmand Province, Afghanistan. Early on 12 June 2008, 8 Platoon of C (Bruneval) Company, 2nd Battalion, the Parachute Regiment was engaged by the Taliban north of their base at FOB GIBRALTAR in the Upper Gereshk Valley, Helmand Province. During the exchange of fire Lance Corporal James Bateman and Private Jeff Doherty were killed in the face of the enemy amongst their colleagues and friends. One other soldier received wounds which required medical attention [cite web|url=http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews/MilitaryOperations/LanceCorporalJamesBatemanAndPrivateJeffDohertyKilledInAfghanistan.htm|title=Lance Corporal James Bateman and Private Jeff Doherty killed in Afghanistan|publisher=UK MoD|quote=The MoD must confirm the deaths of Lance Corporal James Bateman and Private Jeff Doherty of 2nd Battalion The Parachute Regiment] .

Corporal Sarah Bryant of the Intelligence Corps, Corporal Sean Robert Reeve of the Royal Signals, Lance Corporal Richard Larkin and Trooper Paul Stout of the Special Air Service reserves were killed in a roadside bomb incident approximately 10km East of Lashkar Gah, Hemland Province at 1540hrs on Tuesday 17th June 2008. All four soldiers were killed while taking part in a deliberate operation east of Lashkar Gah when the vehicle in which they were travelling was caught in an explosion. Another soldier was wounded in the incident and received treatment for his wounds at the UK Field Hospital at Camp Bastion [cite web|url=http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews/MilitaryOperations/CorporalSarahBryantCorporalSeanReeveLanceCorporalRichardLarkinAndPaulStoutKilledInAfghanistan.htm|title=Corporal Sarah Bryant, Corporal Sean Reeve, Lance Corporal Richard Larkin And Paul Stout Killed In Afghanistan|publisher=UK MoD|quote=It is with deep regret that the Ministry of Defence must confirm the deaths of Corporal Sarah Bryant of the Intelligence Corps, Corporal Sean Robert Reeve of the Royal Signals, Lance Corporal Richard Larkin and Paul Stout in Afghanistan on Tuesday 17 June 2008.] . Corporal Sarah Bryant is the first woman soldier to be killed in the current operations in Afghanistan.

Warrant Officer 2nd Class Michael Williams of 2nd Battalion The Parachute Regiment (2 PARA) was killed Tuesday 24 June 2008 during a firefight. He was commanding C (Bruneval) Company's Fire Support Group while the Company was on a deliberate operation against the Taliban in the Upper Sangin Valley when he was fatally wounded [cite web|url=http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews/MilitaryOperations/WarrantOfficerClass2MichaelNormanWilliamsAndPrivateJoeJohnWhittakerKilledInAfghanistan.htm|title=Warrant Officer Class 2 Michael Norman Williams killed in Afghanistan|publisher=UK MoD|quote=WO2 Michael Williams was killed during a firefight. He was on a deliberate operation against the Taliban in the Upper Sangin Valley when he was fatally wounded] .

Private Joe Whittaker, a reserve soldier who was attached to 2nd Battalion The Parachute Regiment, was killed Tuesday 24 June 2008 by a suspected Improvised Explosive Device. Private Whittaker was part of a mine detection team and was killed helping to ensure that large vehicle resupply convoys could reach Forward Operating Bases [cite web|url=http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews/MilitaryOperations/WarrantOfficerClass2MichaelNormanWilliamsAndPrivateJoeJohnWhittakerKilledInAfghanistan.htm|title=Private Joe John Whittaker Killed In Afghanistan|publisher=UK MoD|quote=Private Joe Whittaker, a reserve soldier who was attached to 2nd Battalion The Parachute Regiment, was killed by a suspected Improvised Explosive Device] .

Warrant Officer 2nd Class Dan Shirley of 13 Air Assault Support Regiment, Royal Logistics Corps was killed while on a Logistic Patrol from Sangin to Camp Bastion when the vehicle he was travelling in rolled over on Friday 27 June 2008 [cite web|url=http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews/MilitaryOperations/WarrantOfficerClass2DanShirleyKilledInAfghanistan.htm|title=Warrant Officer Class 2 Dan Shirley Killed In Afghanistan|publisher=UK MoD|quote=WO2 Shirley was killed during a Logistic Patrol from Sangin to Camp Bastion at 2110 hrs local time when the Land Rover WMIK he was travelling in rolled, trapping him beneath it.] .

Lance Corporal James "Jimmy" Johnson, B Company, 5th Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland was killed on Saturday 28 June 2008. LCpl Johnson was part of a vehicle checkpoint patrol operating in the Lashkar Gar area, when he was killed by an anti-personnel mine. [cite web|url=http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews/MilitaryOperations/LanceCorporalJamesJohnsonKilledInAfghanistan.htm|title=Lance Corporal James Johnson|publisher=UK MoD|quote=LCpl Johnson was part of a vehicle checkpoint patrol operating in the Lashkar Gar area, when he was killed by an anti-personnel mine.]

July 2008

Corporal Jason Stuart Barnes aged 25 years, from the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, attached to 2nd Battalion The Parachute Regiment, was killed in Afghanistan, Tuesday 22 July 2008. The incident occurred at 1818 hrs local time. Corporal Barnes was driving a Vector ambulance vehicle when it hit a suspected Improvised Explosive Device. He was returning to base after he had successfully aided in the helicopter evacuation of a casualty who had been injured earlier near Kajaki in northern Helmand. [cite web|url=http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews/MilitaryOperations/CorporalJasonStuartBarnesKilledInAfghanistan.htm|title=Corporal Jason Stuart Barnes|publisher=UK MoD|quote=The Ministry of Defence must confirm the death of Corporal Jason Stuart Barnes from the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers.]

Lance Corporal Kenneth Michael Rowe aged 24 years, of the Royal Army Veterinary Corps, attached to 2nd Battalion the Parachute Regiment, died on Thursday 24 July 2008 on a routine patrol from Forward Operating Base Inkerman in the Sangin area of Helmand Province when the patrol came under enemy fire. Five other soldiers were injured by small arms fire. His explosives sniffer dog, Sasha, was also killed in the incident [cite web|url=http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews/MilitaryOperations/LanceCorporalKennethRoweKilledInAfghanistan.htm|title=Lance Corporal Kenneth Michael Rowe|publisher=UK MoD|quote=The MoD must confirm the death of Lance Corporal Kenneth Michael Rowe of the Royal Army Veterinary Corps, attached to 2nd Battalion, The Parachute Regiment] .

Sergeant Jonathan William Mathews aged 35 years, from 4th Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland, attached to 1st Battalion The Royal Irish Regiment, was killed in Helmand province 28 July 2008. At 1006hrs local time, a joint Afghan National Army and UK Operational Mentoring Liaison Team were patrolling on foot in the Marjah area, west of Lashkar Gah, in Helmand province. The patrol received reports from locals that the Taliban were in the area but before they could take up defensive positions they received incoming fire, and the soldier sustained a single gun shot wound [cite web|url=http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews/MilitaryOperations/SergeantJonathanMathewsOfTheHighlandersKilledInAfghanistan.htm|title=Sergeant Jonathan William Mathews|publisher=UK MoD|quote=MoD must confirm the death of Sergeant Jonathan William Mathews of The Highlanders, 4th Battalion, The Royal Regiment of Scotland] .

Private Peter Joe Cowton aged 25, from 2nd Battalion The Parachute Regiment, was killed in Helmand province, Tuesday 29 July 2008. At 0600hrs local time, a routine patrol conducting reassurance and interdiction activities left Forward Operating Base (FOB) Gibraltar and at 0847hrs local time encountered enemy forces and engaged them. A short while later the patrol reported one casualty from the engagement who was seriously wounded by a blast, the soldier died shortly afterwards. [cite web|url=http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews/MilitaryOperations/PrivatePeterJoeCowtonKilledInAfghanistan.htm|title=Private Peter Joe Cowton|publisher=UK MoD|quote=Ministry of Defence must confirm the death of Private Peter Joe Cowton from 2nd Battalion The Parachute Regiment in Helmand province]

August 2008

Signaller Wayne Bland, aged 21 and from Leeds, serving with 16 Signal Regiment was killed in a suicide attack on a vehicle patrol in Kabul, Afghanistan, 11 August 2008. At 16.00hrs local time a suicide attacker rammed his vehicle into the patrol and detonated an explosive device causing a number of civilian casualties and injuring three British soldiers who were evacuated to a military hospital, however Signaller Bland later died from his wounds [cite web|url=http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews/MilitaryOperations/SignallerWayneBlandFrom16SignalRegimentKilledInAfghanistan.htm |title=Signaller Wayne Bland|publisher=MoD|quote=It is with great sadness that the Ministry of Defence must confirm the death of Signaller Wayne Bland, from 16 Signal Regiment, in Kabul, Afghanistan.] .

Corporal Barry Dempsey, aged 29, from The Royal Highland Fusiliers, 2nd Battalion the Royal Regiment of Scotland, attached to 1st Battalion the Royal Irish Regiment, was killed in a IED blast, Monday 18 August 2008. At 8.25am local time, a joint Afghan National Army and UK Operational Mentoring Liaison Team were patrolling, when they dismounted in the region of Forward Operating Base Attal, in the Gereshk area of Helmand Province. During that time an improvised explosive device was detonated which resulted in the death of Cpl Dempsey and shrapnel and blast injuries to one other ISAF soldier, an Afghan National Army soldier and the patrol interpreter [cite web|url=http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews/MilitaryOperations/CorporalBarryDempseyKilledInAfghanistan.htm|title=Corporal Barry Dempsey|publisher=UK MoD|quote=The Ministry of Defence must confirm the death of Corporal Barry Dempsey from The Royal Highland Fusiliers, 2nd Battalion Royal Regiment of Scotland] .

eptember 2008

Ranger Justin James (Cups) Cupples, aged 29, from 7 Platoon, C (Ranger) Company, 1st Battalion The Royal Irish Regiment, was killed in an explosion while on a foot patrol in Sangin town, northern Helmand Province at 0710 hours local time on Thursday 4th September 2008. The explosion is believed to have been from an improvised explosive device. The soldier was given first aid at the scene, but died a short time later [cite web|url=http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews/MilitaryOperations/RangerJustinJamesCupplesKilledInAfghanistan.htm|title=Ranger Justin James Cupples|publisher=Uk MoD|quote=The Ministry of Defence must confirm the death of Ranger Justin James Cupples of 1st Battalion The Royal Irish Regiment.]

WO2 Gary 'Gaz' O'Donnell GM, aged 40, an Ammunition Technician serving with 11 EOD Regiment, Royal Logistic Corps died 10 Sept 2008 in Musa Qaleh, Helmand province, southern Afghanistan. WO2 O'Donnell was was commanding an Improvised Explosive Device Disposal team who were trying to make safe a confirmed IED that had been detected by a specialist search team. As a consequence of this there was an explosion and WO2 O'Donnell died shortly afterwards from the injuries he sustained in the explosion [cite web|url=http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews/MilitaryOperations/WarrantOfficerClass2GarygazOdonnellGm11ExplosiveOrdnanceDisposalRegimentRoyalLogisticCorpsKilledInAf.htm|title=WO2 Gary O'Donnell|date=12 Sep 08|publisher=UK MoD|accessdate=2008-09-13|quote=WO2 O'Donnell, 40, died from injuries sustained from an Improvised Explosive Device in Musa Qaleh, Helmand province.] .

Private Jason Lee 'Suspect' Rawstron, aged 23, who was serving with C ( Bruneval ) Company, 2nd Battalion, The Parachute Regiment died instantly after suffering a gunshot wound to the head during a firefight with Taliban near FOB Gibraltar, in the town of Sangin on the 12th September. [cite web|url=http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews/MilitaryOperations/PrivateJasonLeeRawstronOf2ParaKilledInAfghanistan.htm|title=Pte Jason Rawstron|date=13 Sept 2008|publisher=UK MoD|accessdate=2008-09-13|quote=Private Rawstron was killed when his patrol were engaged in an exchange of fire with the Taliban]

Lance Corporal Nicky Mason, aged 26, from X Company, 2nd Battalion The Parachute Regiment, was killed by an explosion whilst on a routine patrol North West of FOB ZEBRUGGE, near Kajaki, Helmand province, on Saturday 13 September 2008. The patrol was clearing an area essential for the security of the Kajaki hydro-electric dam when LCpl Mason was struck by an improvised explosive device [cite web|url=http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews/MilitaryOperations/LanceCorporalNickyMasonKilledInAfghanistan.htm|title=Lance Corporal Nicky Mason|publisher=UK MoD|quote=Lance Corporal Mason, aged 26, died as a result of an explosion] .

Political impact

British casualties in Afghanistan have had a major political impact, although not as significant as the impact of British casualties in Iraq. This is mainly because the three main British political parties (Labour, Conservatives and the Liberal Democrats) all support British operations in the country. [ [http://www.libdems.org.uk/internationalaffairs/afghanistan-a-tough-but-necessary-mission100706.html Lib Dems website] ] However British casualties in the middle of 2006 did lead to the government's decision to reinforce the British contingent. [cite web|url=http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/asia/britain-to-put-in-more-troops-as-attacks-mount-407241.html|title=Britain to put in more troops as attacks mount|publisher=The Independent|quote=Britain's beleaguered troops in southern Afghanistan are to be heavily reinforced after a request from defence chiefs.]

Tables showing British fatalities

2008

2005

ee also

* War in Afghanistan (2001–present)
* Civilian casualties of the U.S. invasion of Afghanistan
* Coalition casualties in Afghanistan
* Canadian Forces casualties in Afghanistan
* List of British friendly fire incidents by the U.S. military since World War II
* Tarnak Farm incident
* International Security Assistance Force
* Taliban insurgency
* Britain's role in the 2001-present Afghan war

References

External links

* [http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/FactSheets/OperationsFactsheets/OperationsInAfghanistanBritishFatalities.htm British Ministry Of Defence Official Fatalities List] (includes official photos and information about service personal)
* [http://www.icasualties.org/oef/byNationality.aspx?hndQry=UK icasualties.org]
* [http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/south_asia/5280726.stm BBC "Row over Afghan clash casualties"]
* [http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/5121552.stm BBC "British military fatalities in Afghanistan"] (includes photos and information about service personal)
* [http://craigmurrayfriends.blogspot.com/2007/06/british-casualty-monitor-tracking-war.html British Casualty Monitor - Tracking the War in Afghanistan]