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Army colleagues dead hours apart | |
(about 2 hours later) | |
A British soldier died a day after paying tribute to one of his men, also killed in Afghanistan. | |
Captain David Hicks and Private Tony Rawson were colleagues in the C (Essex) Company, 1st Battalion The Royal Anglian Regiment. | |
Pte Rawson was shot on 10 August shortly before 0600 hours local time and Capt Hicks was fatally wounded in an attack at 1320 on 11 August. | |
Capt Hicks said Rawson's loss would "be deeply felt by all those who knew him". | |
Capt Hicks, 26, 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, from Wokingham, Berkshire, was described as an "outstanding officer" who always led from the front. | Capt Hicks, from Wokingham, Berkshire, 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, said he was 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. | 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. | 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 | 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. | 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. | 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 | 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. | 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. | "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". | 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. | 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." | "My thoughts are also with the men of the Royal Anglians who Capt Hicks led so courageously in battle." |