First female soldier killed by Taliban named
First female UK soldier killed in Afghanistan named as Corporal Sarah Bryant, 26, by Ministry of Defence
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Thursday, 19, Jun 2008 10:46
The first female British soldier to be killed in Afghanistan has been named by the Ministry of Defence.
Corporal Sarah Bryant, 26, was one of four soldiers killed when their vehicle was hit by an explosion on Tuesday.
On Thursday the MoD also confirmed the deaths of Corporal Sean Robert Reeve, 28, of the Royal Signals, Lance Corporal Richard Larkin, 39, and 31-year-old Paul Stout.
Their deaths took the UK death-toll since the US-led invasion of Afghanistan in 2001 to 106.
Cpl Bryant, a Liverpool-born member of the intelligence corps, was described by the MoD on Thursday as "utterly professional... tenacious and reliable".
Her husband, who is also in the army, has spoken of his 'devastation and pride' at Cpl Bryant's death.
In a statement Corporal Carl Bryant said: "She was an awesome soldier who died doing the job that she loved.
"My wife knew the risks, she was there because she wanted to be, and she wouldn't have had it any other way."
Cpl Reeve was described by his family as a "pillar of strength that all could turn to".
"Sean's professionalism and determination for all that he did was an inspiration to all that were fortunate to have known him," a statement added.
L Cpl Larkin's family said he was a beloved husband, father, son and brother who would be "deeply mourned".
A statement from Paul Stout's family said: "Our lives will be changed forever by this loss. We request that we are allowed to grieve in peace without media intrusion."
Defence secretary Des Browne offered his sincere and deepest condolences to the soldiers' families and loved ones.
"I cannot comprehend the pain they are going through," he said.
"They have made the ultimate sacrifice, laying down their life alongside those of their comrades in pursuit of the aim of a peaceful and stable Afghanistan. We will ensure their losses were not in vain."