Fallen UK soldier named
Friday, 16 Nov 2007 12:21
Captain John McDermid and his wife Gill
The British soldier killed in southern Afghanistan two days ago has been named as Captain John McDermid by the Ministry of Defence (MoD).
He was leading a joint UK and Afghan army operation in Sangin, Helmand province, on Wednesday morning local time (07:00 GMT) when an improvised explosive device was detonated.
The blast killed Capt McDermid and seriously injured an interpreter, who had been assigned to assist in the captain's mentoring of an Afghan army officer in leadership and infantry skills.
Capt McDermid, of the Royal Highland Fusiliers, the Second Battalion the Royal Regiment of Scotland, had been in the army more than 20 years, spending the last three as an officer.
The 43-year-old's extensive career had seen him serve in Northern Ireland, Germany, Canada, Kenya, Cyprus and Belize, as well as completing tours of Bosnia and Kosovo under UN and Nato remits, while he had arrived in Afghanistan via Iraq.
He leaves behind his wife Gill and three children. In a statement the Glasgow-born officer's family said they were devastated at his loss.
"John was such an important part of their lives and his death has left a void that can never be filled.
"Everyone who knew John knew how loving, dedicated, strong, hilarious and truly wonderful he was. Although very much a family man, John's sense of duty and responsibility were never overlooked."
The MoD said that Capt McDermid was a "hugely experienced, skilled, knowledgeable and capable soldier".
A statement added: "His quality was identified early on and he rose quickly through the ranks."
His commanding officer Lieutenant Colonel Paul Harkness explained that Capt McDermid was a "friend and mentor to everyone".
"He loved the army and everything that it represented," he said. "It came as no surprise to those who knew him that he had volunteered to go to Afghanistan as soldiering was in his blood.
"Held in the highest regard by all ranks, he occupied a unique place in everyone's hearts and minds. His death will leave a gap in all our lives that will never be filled. Today we have lost a friend and colleague, but his memory will live on within the battalion and amongst those fortunate enough to have known him. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, now and always.
"Today we have lost a friend and colleague, but his memory will live on within the battalion and amongst those fortunate enough to have known him."