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| Version 1 | Version 2 |
|---|---|
| Soldier killed in blast is named | Soldier killed in blast is named |
| (20 minutes later) | |
| A British soldier killed in an explosion in Afghanistan has been named by the Ministry of Defence as Captain John McDermid. | A British soldier killed in an explosion in Afghanistan has been named by the Ministry of Defence as Captain John McDermid. |
| Capt McDermid, 43, served with The Royal Highland Fusiliers, 2nd Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland. | |
| He was killed at about 1130 local time on Wednesday, the MoD said. | He was killed at about 1130 local time on Wednesday, the MoD said. |
| His patrol was caught in a blast south of the district centre of Sangin in Helmand Province. Captain McDermid's next of kin have been informed. | His patrol was caught in a blast south of the district centre of Sangin in Helmand Province. Captain McDermid's next of kin have been informed. |
| 'Distinguished career' | |
| The International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) said the blast was the result of an improvised explosive device during a routine patrol by the Afghan National Army and the ISAF. | The International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) said the blast was the result of an improvised explosive device during a routine patrol by the Afghan National Army and the ISAF. |
| An Afghan interpreter who was accompanying Capt McDermid was also badly injured in the explosion and has been receiving treatment, the MoD said. | An Afghan interpreter who was accompanying Capt McDermid was also badly injured in the explosion and has been receiving treatment, the MoD said. |
| Capt McDermid was born in Glasgow and served 21 years as a soldier and three years as an officer. The MoD described his career as "distinguished". | |
| He served in Berlin, Canada, Kenya, Cyprus and Belize. He conducted two tours in Bosnia, one in Kosovo, and four in Northern Ireland, the MoD said. | |
| "A further tour in Iraq cemented his standing as a hugely experienced, skilled, knowledgeable and capable soldier," the MoD added. | |
| His death has left a void that can never be filled Captain McDermid's family | |
| Wing Commander Antony McCord, a spokesman for Regional Command South, said on Wednesday: "Our thoughts are with the families and friends of the soldier who died in this tragic incident and with those of his wounded Afghan colleague." | |
| Captain McDermid leaves behind his wife Gill, and three children. | |
| In a statement, his family said: "John's family and friends are devastated by this loss. John was such an important part of their lives and his death has left a void that can never be filled. | |
| "Every one who knew John knew how loving, dedicated, strong, hilarious and truly wonderful he was. Although very much a family man, John's sense of duty and responsibility were never overlooked." | |
| Captain McDermid's death brings the number of British service personnel killed in Afghanistan and Iraq combined to 255 - the same number as British personnel killed during the Falklands war. | |
| The number of UK service personnel killed in Afghanistan since UK military operations began in November 2001, is now 84. |