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MoD names killed Helmand soldier MoD names killed Helmand soldier
(about 1 hour later)
A UK soldier killed in an explosion in southern Afghanistan has been named as L/Bombardier James Dwyer of 29 Commando Regiment, Royal Artillery.A UK soldier killed in an explosion in southern Afghanistan has been named as L/Bombardier James Dwyer of 29 Commando Regiment, Royal Artillery.
The 22-year-old was killed on Wednesday when his vehicle was caught in a blast during a reconnaissance mission in desert south of Garmsir, Helmand. The 22-year-old was killed on Wednesday when his vehicle hit an anti-tank mine during a reconnaissance mission in desert south of Garmsir, Helmand.
Another serviceman was seriously hurt while two sustained minor injuries.Another serviceman was seriously hurt while two sustained minor injuries.
The seriously injured man had been operated on and was "doing well", a Royal Marines spokesman said.The seriously injured man had been operated on and was "doing well", a Royal Marines spokesman said.
L/Bombardier Dwyer, born and raised in South Africa, was described as a "professionally outstanding soldier". 'Family man'
Lance Bombardier Dwyer, born and raised in South Africa, was described as a "professionally outstanding soldier".
Known as "Doobs" to his friends and colleagues, he joined the Army in July 2003, and joined the 29 regiment in June 2004.
The MoD described him as a "bright and intelligent young man with an infectious sense of humour".
It added he has a "passion for travel" and was an "enthusiastic sportsman".
"Very much a family man, he spoke often of home and was especially close to his sister, also a serving soldier in the British Army," it said.
"He had proven himself a versatile and dedicated soldier whilst deployed on exercises both in the UK and Norway, as well as on operations in Afghanistan."
'Missed sorely'
L/Bombardier Dwyer's commanding officer, Lieutenant Colonel Neil Wilson, said he "displayed all the characteristics of a commando soldier".
"He was extremely popular within the regiment and undoubtedly would have progressed through the ranks rapidly.
"James will be missed sorely by all members of 29 Commando Regiment Royal Artillery, and our thoughts and condolences go to his family and friends at this very difficult time," he said.
The Plymouth-based 29 regiment is the Close Support Artillery Regiment that supports 3 Commando Brigade Royal Marines.The Plymouth-based 29 regiment is the Close Support Artillery Regiment that supports 3 Commando Brigade Royal Marines.
The cause of the explosion is not known, but there are suggestions it could have been a mine.
'Speedy recovery'
Spokesman Lt Col Andy Price said: "A patrol had gone out on a reconnaissance to look at a specific piece of land and there was an explosion.
"It could have been a legacy mine from many years ago or it could have been a deliberate attack on us, though it's unlikely as it was in the middle of the desert," he told Sky News.
The MoD said there were no Taleban forces in the area at the time.
The Commander of the UK Task Force, Brigadier Jerry Thomas, said his thoughts and condolences were with L/Bombardier Dwyer's family, friends and colleagues.
He said the sense of tragedy was heightened by the fact that it had taken place "during this special time of the year".
"My thoughts are also with the soldier who was seriously injured and I wish him a speedy recovery," he said.
Brig Thomas added: "The soldier's colleagues remain on the ground and are continuing with their task, despite their loss.
"They are determined to complete their mission."
The number of UK troops killed while on operations in Afghanistan since 2001 is now 44.The number of UK troops killed while on operations in Afghanistan since 2001 is now 44.
Of the 44, 21 died from accidents, illness, or non-combat injuries, according to the MoD.Of the 44, 21 died from accidents, illness, or non-combat injuries, according to the MoD.