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| Version 1 | Version 2 |
|---|---|
| Killed British serviceman named | Killed British serviceman named |
| (10 minutes later) | |
| A British serviceman killed in an explosion in southern Afghanistan has been named by the Ministry of Defence as Royal Marine Dale Gostick. | A British serviceman killed in an explosion in southern Afghanistan has been named by the Ministry of Defence as Royal Marine Dale Gostick. |
| The 22-year-old Viking armoured-vehicle operator, from Oxford, was part of 3 Troop Armoured Support Company. | The 22-year-old Viking armoured-vehicle operator, from Oxford, was part of 3 Troop Armoured Support Company. |
| He was killed at the Sangin crossing of the Helmand River, in southern Helmand province, on Sunday, the MoD said. | |
| His death brought the number of UK troops who have died in operations in Afghanistan since 2001 to 97. | His death brought the number of UK troops who have died in operations in Afghanistan since 2001 to 97. |
| In tribute, Marine Gostick's family said he was "much loved and respected by his family and all who knew him". | |
| "Dale had a huge character, making time for all who needed him. His passing has left an irreplaceable hole in so many people's lives," they said in a statement. | |
| He was everything you would expect a marine to be Major Jez Stemp | |
| The marine's troop was returning from operations when the vehicle he was driving hit a suspected mine. He was pronounced dead at the scene. | |
| Two others injured in the blast are still being treated. | |
| His commanding officer, Major Jez Stemp, said Marine Gostick - who was jokingly known to friends as "master chief general of the universe" - was "a courageous and gentle man who would not flinch at a challenge or a dangerous task". | |
| He continued: "He was... extremely popular with his peers, and despite only a short time within the corps, an already extremely experienced marine with huge operational experience. | |
| "A physically strong man with a great sense of humour, he was everything you would expect a marine to be." |