Soldier killed in Afghanistan named

A soldier killed in Afghanistan has been named as Corporal Damian Stephen Lawrence.

The 25-year-old was killed on Sunday night after being caught in an explosion.

Cpl Lawrence, from the 2nd Battalion The Yorkshire Regiment (Green Howards) was described by one senior officer as "irreplaceable".

Cpl Lawrence was taking part in a joint UK-Afghan national army night patrol tasked with clearing a number of compounds in Kajaki, in Helmand Province, a Ministry of Defence (MoD) spokesman said.

"Immediately upon entry into a compound, an explosive device detonated, fatally injuring Corporal Lawrence. Another soldier was also wounded, but his injuries are not life-threatening.

"Medical treatment was administered at the scene and both soldiers were evacuated to Camp Bastion by emergency response helicopter.

"Sadly Corporal Lawrence succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead on arrival."

Cpl Lawrence was born in Scarborough, North Yorkshire, but had his roots firmly based in the town of Whitby, the spokesman said.

He enlisted on October 28, 1999 and on completion of basic training joined the 1st Battalion The Green Howards, 10 Platoon Charlie Company, then based in Warminster, Wiltshire.

His role in Afghanistan was to train and mentor a national army platoon - a dangerous and difficult task that he performed outstandingly, the spokesman said.