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Afghanistan blast soldier named | Afghanistan blast soldier named |
(20 minutes later) | |
A British soldier killed by a roadside bomb in southern Afghanistan has been named by the Ministry of Defence. | A British soldier killed by a roadside bomb in southern Afghanistan has been named by the Ministry of Defence. |
Cpl Barry Dempsey, from The Royal Highland Fusiliers, 2nd Battalion Royal Regiment of Scotland died on Monday. | |
Three others were injured when an explosion hit a joint UK-Afghan patrol at 0825 local time in the Gereshk area of Helmand province. | Three others were injured when an explosion hit a joint UK-Afghan patrol at 0825 local time in the Gereshk area of Helmand province. |
The 29-year-old, from Ayrshire, was the 116th British soldier killed in Afghanistan since 2001. | |
He joined The Royal Highland Fusiliers in 1998 and spent most of his career as a medic in the Regimental Aid Post. | |
He leaves a wife Shelly, son Charlie, and daughter Andie. | |
'Died a hero' | |
Cpl Dempsey's widow said: "Barry was a devoted husband and father. He has died doing a job he loved. His family and the Army were his life. He will be forever missed by his wife, children and family. | |
"He will never be forgotten. He died a hero." | |
Insurgents detonated the roadside bomb as Cpl Dempsey and other members of the patrol left their vehicle. | |
Three other members of the patrol, a non-British international soldier, an Afghan National Army soldier and an interpreter, suffered shrapnel and blast injuries in the attack. | |
He was in Afghanistan to provide aid to his comrades, and served with bravery and dedication, doing what he was best at Lt Col Nick Borton | |
They were flown to the medical unit at Camp Bastion. | |
Lt Col Nick Borton, commanding officer of the Royal Regiment of Scotland, described Cpl Dempsey as "calm and professional", naturally suited to a medical career. | |
He said: "Barry was a stalwart of the Medical Centre; a hard worker, he always volunteered for any task, and was always at the centre of the team, motivating and encouraging the younger medics." | |
He added: "He was in Afghanistan to provide aid to his comrades, and served with bravery and dedication, doing what he was best at. | |
"A thorough professional and a loving family man, we have lost a great friend and fellow soldier." | |
Defence Secretary Des Browne said: "I was extremely saddened to hear of the death of Cpl Dempsey yesterday morning. | |
"He was a selfless and brave professional, putting himself in harm's way to provide the very best of medical care to his colleagues and Afghans alike. | |
"My thoughts are with his family, friends and members of his regiment at this very difficult time." |