Soldier killed in Afghanistan brings UK toll to 168

Published on Saturday 13 June 2009 13:20

A SOLDIER has been killed by an explosion in southern Afghanistan, the Ministry of Defence said today.

The soldier from The 2nd Battalion the Rifles was killed by the blast during an operation near Sangin in northern Helmand Province yesterday morning.

His death came as colleagues paid tribute to another British soldier who was killed by an explosion near Kandahar on Thursday morning.

Private Robert McLaren, from the Isle of Mull, was fresh out of infantry recruit training and had only been in active service for four weeks.

Pte McLaren, 20, from The Black Watch, 3rd Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland, was described as a quiet and hard working soldier.

The latest death takes the number of British service personnel who have died in Afghanistan since the start of operations in October 2001 to 168.

Lieutenant Colonel Nick Richardson, spokesman for Task Force Helmand, said: "It is with deep regret that we report the death of another soldier in Helmand Province.

"Our deepest heartfelt sympathies go out to the soldiers and Officers of 2nd Battalion the Rifles and the bereaved friends and family of this brave soldier."

General Richard Blanchette, spokesman for the Nato-led International Security Assistance Force, said yesterday's death was the result of an improvised explosive device (IED) strike.

He said: "It is with grief that we offer our deep sympathy to the family of this brave soldier.

"As our flags are lowered in mourning, we raise our eyes to the brighter future this soldier has helped secure for the Afghan people."

Pte McLaren's family said: "We are very proud of Robert. He died doing a job he loved and we will cherish fond memories of Robert forever."

He was killed by an IED during a fight at close range with the Taliban.

Colleagues described his bravery after he tried to push forward to help comrades despite being pinned down by rifle fire from two sides and the threat of incoming rockets.

Pte McLaren grew up in Kintra, by Fionnphort on the Isle of Mull, and went to Bunnessan Primary and Oban High School.

He joined the Army in November 2007, training at Winchester, Surrey and Catterick before passing out and joining his regiment earlier this year.

He was described as a "canny Jock" who was quietly confident with a dry wit.

Lieutenant Colonel Stephen Cartwright, Commanding Officer of 3 Scots Brigade, said he was taking part in an offensive operation against insurgents in "one of the most dangerous" parts of the southern Afghanistan when he was killed.

"His Company had been engaged in close combat with the insurgents for several hours and Robert had displayed enormous physical courage during this battle for one so young.

"He gave his life for his friends with his selfless commitment, moving forward in the face of a determined and ruthless enemy.

"From the moment he arrived he threw his heart and body into everything he was asked to do.

"Fit, keen to learn and easy company, Robert had so much going for him and was so proud to be on operations so soon in his career."

Major Matt Munro, Officer Commanding Alpha (Grenadier) Company, said: "Robert McLaren will be remembered as a trusted friend, a brave highland Jock and an enormously talented and decent man.

"Quietly confident, steady and assured he was an old head on young shoulders. Thoughtful and reflective, he had a ready smile, a wicked dry sense of humour and an easy manner.

"Robert was a clever man who well understood the big picture. He was a canny Jock who was as comfortable when robustly defeating the insurgent as he was compassionate when interacting with Afghan civilians."

He said he was killed "under accurate and sustained fire" as he "pushed himself forward to support his imperilled colleagues", adding: "This was typical of the man who without hesitation, question or thought for his personal safety, repeatedly pushed himself to the fore."

Lieutenant Robert Colquhoun, Officer Commanding 2 Platoon, said: "Quiet and mild mannered, with a ready smile, Robert made friends quickly and had gained the respect of his peers within days of his arrival.

"This calm and pleasant manner belied a determined and mature young man who was committed to his friends and the task in hand.

"No soldier has impressed me so much in such a short amount of time."

He said his final action exemplified his bravery.

"With his section pinned down by accurate rifle fire from two sides and the target of indirect rocket attacks his instinct was to thrust forward once again to improve his position and relieve pressure on his comrades.

"His selfless commitment is consistent with the highest qualities of a soldier and testimony to his fine upbringing and excellent training.

"Killed taking the fight to the enemy, he will ever be remembered with a smile on his face, ready and willing to do what was necessary to get the job done.

"Committed, fearless and courageous, his measured steadfastness set him apart from his peers."

Friend, Pte Amphon Supharee, said: "Rab was a quiet boy when he arrived, but got on well with the guys and he was a switched on soldier.

"Even though he was new, he was welcomed and everyone had respect for him. He was not just a good guy, but a great soldier."

Another friend, Pte John Easson, said: "Robert pushed himself to the limit always giving his best.

"Committed and reliable, I couldn't have asked for anyone better to watch my back."

Defence Secretary Bob Ainsworth, said: "His colleagues' moving tributes leave no doubt that Private McLaren was a courageous and determined young soldier whose maturity and dedication will be sorely missed.

"He clearly made a significant contribution on his tour of duty in Afghanistan. My thoughts and sympathies are with his family, friends and comrades at this difficult time."