Three UK soldiers killed in Afghanistan this week named by Ministry of Defence
Three UK soldiers killed in Afghanistan this week named as Cpl Johnathan Moore, Pte Sean McDonald and WO2 David Markland
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Wednesday, 10, Feb 2010 09:36
By Richard James and Matthew Champion.
Three British soldiers killed in two separate incidents in southern Afghanistan this week have been named as Corporal Johnathan Moore, Private Sean McDonald and Warrant Officer Class 2 David Markland.
Cpl Moore and Pte McDonald, from the Royal Scots Borderers, First Battalion the Royal Regiment of Scotland, were killed by an improvised explosive device (IED) near Sangin, Helmand province, on Sunday evening.
A day later WO2 Markland, from 36 Engineer Regiment Royal Engineers, died in the Nad-e-Ali district of central Helmand when he was caught by an IED.
The 36-year-old, from Euxton, Lancashire, was part of the British army's counter-IED Taskforce.
The three deaths brought the total number of UK service personnel killed in Afghanistan since 2001 to 256 - eclipsing the total death-toll suffered by British forces in the Falklands conflict.
"I was deeply saddened to hear about WO2 David Markland's death," said defence secretary Bob Ainsworth.
"He was an experienced and extremely courageous soldier, who had distinguished himself on operations in Bosnia, Iraq and Afghanistan. My thoughts are with his family at this difficult time."
WO2 Markland leaves behind his wife Corallee and two sons, Keelen, ten, and Logan, seven. In a statement his family said: "Dave was a wonderful husband, father, son and brother. His family and friends all loved and adored him. Keelen and Logan will always remember how funny and playful dad was. He was proud to be in the British army just like his dad.
"We are very proud of Dave's achievements in his army career; his soldiers, friends and officers all respected his selflessness and admired his style of leadership. He would have made the best Squadron Sergeant Major in the world!
"He will be sadly missed and leaves behind a family who he loved and loves him very, very much. We are all very proud of our hero."
Lieutenant Colonel Gareth Bex, his commanding officer, said WO2 Markland was a "bear of a man, big and bold, but caring and compassionate".
"Warrant Officer Class 2 Markland was adored by his team; they would have followed him to the ends of the earth, such was the respect and trust he inspired," Lt Col Bex said.
Earlier Mr Ainsworth paid tribute to Cpl Moore, 22, and Pte McDonald, 26, saying: "I was so very sorry to learn of the deaths of Corporal John Moore and Private Sean McDonald. Hearing about these two brave men, I am filled with admiration for their courage and loyalty.
"Corporal Moore was clearly an extremely committed leader who was ready to rise to every challenge. Private McDonald was obviously a soldiers' soldier who knowingly took risks to help bring a better future for the people in his area of operations.
"It is very clear that both were professional, courageous, selfless, and committed - true infantry soldiers. My thoughts and deepest sympathies are with their loved ones."
The families of both Cpl Moore and Pte McDonald released statements through the Ministry of Defence paying tribute to the fallen soldiers.
Pte McDonald's mother, Jacqueline McDonald, said: "My son was so proud to be a soldier. He will be desperately missed by all family and friends. This tragedy has left a hole in our lives and a hole in our heart. Sleep well Baby Boy."
Cpl Moore's family meanwhile declared: "Johnathan was a proud Scottish soldier who was doing a job that he loved; he will be sadly missed by a loving and very proud family. The army and his family were Johnathan's life we are devastated at our loss."