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| Version 1 | Version 2 |
|---|---|
| Soldier killed in Helmand named | Soldier killed in Helmand named |
| (30 minutes later) | |
| A British soldier killed after his base came under attack in Afghanistan has been named as Captain David Hicks. | A British soldier killed after his base came under attack in Afghanistan has been named as Captain David Hicks. |
| Capt Hicks, 26, from the 1st Battalion The Royal Anglian Regiment, died after being injured at the base north-east of Sangin in Helmand province on Saturday. | Capt Hicks, 26, from the 1st Battalion The Royal Anglian Regiment, died after being injured at the base north-east of Sangin in Helmand province on Saturday. |
| He was flown by helicopter for treatment, but later died. Five others were also injured in the incident. | He was flown by helicopter for treatment, but later died. Five others were also injured in the incident. |
| Capt Hicks, of C (Essex) Company, was described as an "outstanding officer" who always led from the front. | Capt Hicks, of C (Essex) Company, was described as an "outstanding officer" who always led from the front. |
| 'Concern for men' | 'Concern for men' |
| His commanding officer, Lieutenant-Colonel Stuart Carver, described Capt Hicks as an "outstanding officer" who would be "sorely missed by all members of the battalion". | His commanding officer, Lieutenant-Colonel Stuart Carver, described Capt Hicks as an "outstanding officer" who would be "sorely missed by all members of the battalion". |
| During the attack on the base, Capt Hicks had "led from the forward position" in order to direct the battle and "provide an inspiring example to his men", he said | During the attack on the base, Capt Hicks had "led from the forward position" in order to direct the battle and "provide an inspiring example to his men", he said |
| He added: "Even after being mortally wounded his only concern was to get back into position to control the fight. | He added: "Even after being mortally wounded his only concern was to get back into position to control the fight. |
| "Highly professional with a genuine concern for his soldiers, he typified the highest standards of leadership and commanded genuine respect from all who served with him." | "Highly professional with a genuine concern for his soldiers, he typified the highest standards of leadership and commanded genuine respect from all who served with him." |
| Capt Hicks was commissioned into the 1st Battalion The Royal Anglian Regiment in 2002. | |
| After tours in Bosnia and Iraq, he went to Helmand province in March this year where he had been involved in a number of clashes. | |
| Skiing fan | |
| At the time of his death, he was acting as company commander and had led a number of fighting patrols into Taleban territory. | |
| Capt Hicks, who was a keen skier, had been with his girlfriend Nicola since late 2006. He was planning to buy a house with her in Surrey when he returned from Afghanistan. | |
| He was an infantry officer of the highest order, totally dedicated to his work and determined to give 100% in everything he did Major Phil Messenger | |
| Major Phil Messenger, of C (Essex) Company, described Capt Hicks as "the most professional and dedicated fellow infantry officer" he had ever worked with. | |
| "He was an infantry officer of the highest order, totally dedicated to his work and determined to give 100% in everything he did," he added. | |
| Capt Hicks' death brings the total number of UK troops killed while on operations in Afghanistan since 2001 to 70. | Capt Hicks' death brings the total number of UK troops killed while on operations in Afghanistan since 2001 to 70. |
| Defence Secretary Des Browne said his death had been "tragic". | |
| He added: "The loss of such a dedicated and talented officer is truly sad and I would like to express my sincere condolences to his family. | |
| "My thoughts are also with the men of the Royal Anglians who Capt Hicks led so courageously in battle." |