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sábado, 28 de dezembro de 2013

British soldier killed in Afghanistan named


World news and comment from the Guardian | theguardian.com

British soldier killed in Afghanistan named

Family and colleagues mourn Captain Richard Holloway, who died as a result of enemy fire on operations east of Kabul

A soldier who was killed in action in Afghanistan on 23 December has been named by the Ministry of Defence as Captain Richard Holloway of the Royal Engineers.

Holloway, 29, from County Durham, died as a result of enemy fire while on operations east of Kabul.

He leaves behind parents Jaquie and Neil, brother Luke and girlfriend Sandy.

In a statement, his family said: "Our son Richard was an exceptional young man, a perfectionist in everything he did and a loyal brother and friend, who embraced life to the full."

They added: "He was a dedicated and totally committed member of the armed forces, relishing the excitement and challenge but always serious and reflective about his duties and responsibilities to those with whom he served.

"The sense of adventure he experienced with the Royal Engineers was echoed in his love of travel to faraway places and physical activity including surfing, kayaking, canoeing, mountain-biking and climbing.

"Wherever the action was, he wanted to be part of it – and that is where our beloved son, of whom we are so very proud, lost his life."

Captain Ed Martin, from the Royal Engineers, said Holloway, who was best man at his wedding earlier this year, was an "inspiration to others".

"There was never a second wasted with Rich, he always had a plan and made the most of every day," he said.

"He lived life to the full and was an inspiration to others to do the same. I have never met a more trustworthy, loyal or dedicated friend, he had humility in spades and I would have followed him anywhere."

Holloway's commanding officer, who has not been named, said the soldier was "a natural leader" who was "revered by the Afghans whom he mentored tirelessly".

"His tactical ability commanded wide respect; his judgment was unerring, his enthusiasm was infectious and his standards never dropped," he said.

"He had a humble self-confidence that instinctively drew people to him. His own brand of selflessness and professionalism marked him out as a soldier, but it was the warmth of his personality that set him out as a popular and effective leader."

Holloway's death took the number of UK service members who have lost their lives since operations in Afghanistan began in October 2001 to 447 and was the ninth this year.

The majority of British forces are in Helmand province, in the south of the country, but some also operate elsewhere, including in and around the capital, Kabul.

The drawdown of British troops is under way, and all combat troops are due to have left by the end of 2014.

There are just four bases remaining outside Camp Bastion, due to be closed down one by one in the new year, and the number of personnel has been reduced from 9,000 at the start of the year to around 5,200.


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