http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews/MilitaryOperations/CorporalMarkWilliamWrightKilledInAfghanistan.htm
Corporal Mark William Wright killed in Afghanistan
7 Sep 06
It is with great regret that the MOD must confirm the death of Corporal Mark William Wright in Afghanistan on Wednesday 6 September 2006.
Corporal Wright, from The 3rd Battalion, The Parachute Regiment, was killed when a routine patrol encountered an unmarked minefield in the region of Kajaki, Helmand Province.
Corporal Mark William Wright
Corporal Wright was born on 22 April 1979 and lived in Edinburgh with his fiancé Gillian. He joined the Army in January 1999 and successfully completed the gruelling Combat Infantryman’s Course and Pre Parachute Selection. After passing the Basic Parachute Course at RAF Brize Norton, he was posted to The 3rd Battalion, The Parachute Regiment in October 1999.
Within his first three years, he had completed three tours of Northern Ireland. By 2003, he was working as a Number One in a mortar detachment. In May 2003, Corporal Wright deployed, along with the 3rd Battalion, to Iraq where he served with distinction.
Back in the UK he was promoted to Corporal, working as a Mortar Fire Controller. It was in this role that he deployed to Helmand Province in May 2006. Operating across the province, Corporal Wright was vital in controlling mortar fire for a variety of sub units who often relied on mortars as their only form of indirect fire. Throughout the tour, he was continuously in the field, conducting high intensity operations right up until his death.
Corporal Wright was an outstanding soldier. Quietly confident and unassuming, his professionalism and dedication were second to none. His calm and unflappable leadership were an inspiration to all young soldiers. His accurate and timely fire control undoubtedly saved many Coalition lives in Iraq and Afghanistan. It was instrumental in fending off Taleban attacks. Gregarious and selfless, he would drop everything to help out a colleague in need. Corporal Wright was a well loved member of the Regiment and he leaves behind a loving Mother, Father and Fiancé.
Corporal Wright’s Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Colonel Stuart Tootal, said of him:
"Corporal Wright died attempting to save the life of a fellow paratrooper who had been injured in a mine incident. He did so in complete disregard for his own safety whilst fully aware of the dangers to himself. His actions were typical of the type of man Corporal Wright was.
"Quietly determined and passionate about his profession, he possessed exceptionally high moral and physical courage. In the words of his best friend, he was a ‘fun loving Jock who loved the military and was up for anything and everything’.
"Due to attend an advanced promotion course, he had a very bright future ahead of him and had already been identified as someone who would go far. Unfortunately his promising career was cut tragically short.
"With the loss of Corporal Wright we have lost a trusted and valued friend. He set and maintained the highest of standards in accordance with being a Paratrooper. He will be very much missed by all of us."
Corporal Wright can never be replaced; he will always be in our hearts and will never be forgotten.
The Defence Secretary Des Browne, said:
"I was greatly saddened to be told of the death of Corporal Mark Wright yesterday in Kajaki, Helmand Province. His selfless commitment and professionalism is an example to us all. My thoughts are with his family, colleagues and friends at this difficult time."
http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews/MilitaryOperations/LanceCorporalPaulMuirheadKilledInAfghanistan.htm
Lance Corporal Paul Muirhead killed in Afghanistan
7 Sep 06
It is with deep regret that the Ministry of Defence must confirm the death of Lance Corporal Paul Muirhead in Afghanistan on Wednesday 6 September 2006.
Lance Corporal Muirhead, of 1 Royal Irish Regiment, died from wounds sustained during a Taleban attack on his base at Musa Quala in Helmand Province on Friday 1 September 2006.
Since the attack, he had been receiving specialist medical care and his parents were with him when he died.
Ranger Anare Draiva, also of 1 Royal Irish Regiment, died in the same incident.
Lance Corporal Paul Muirhead
Lance Corporal Muirhead, from Bearley, Warwickshire, was single and 29 years of age.
His Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Colonel Michael McGovern, paid tribute to him:
"Lance Corporal Muirhead was a calm, confident and determined member of the Patrols Platoon. A quiet exterior belied a character who was renowned for looking after the younger less experienced soldiers. He was widely respected across the Battalion.
"Lance Corporal Muirhead was an extremely experienced soldier who had served on Op Telic 1, the liberation of Iraq, in Northern Ireland and most recently a six month tour of Baghdad and Southern Iraq.
"The Battalion is deeply saddened at the loss of two soldiers in this incident, both killed as the result of enemy action. Our thoughts and prayers are of course with their families and friends at this terrible time.
"I have spoken today to our other troops in Afghanistan - their morale remains high and they are determined to 'get on with the job' and ensure that the loss of their friends and comrades will not be in vain."
Defence Secretary Des Browne, said:
"This is tragic news. Lance Corporal Muirhead was, in the words of his commanding officer, a widely respected soldier. My sincere sympathies are with his family and friends as they come to terms with his loss."
Both Lance Corporal Muirhead and Ranger Anare Draiva were part of a force of one hundred 1 Royal Irish soldiers currently serving in Helmand Province as part of the 3rd Battalion the Parachute Regiment Battle Group.
Both 1 Royal Irish Regiment and the 3rd Battalion the Parachute Regiment are part of 16 Air Assault Brigade which is the lead British Military Formation in Southern Afghanistan.
Lance Corporal Paul Muirhead
[Picture: British Army]
