Tributes paid to young soldiers killed by blast in Afghanistan

Published on Tuesday 17 March 2009 00:36

TWO British soldiers who died in an explosion in Afghanistan were named last night by the Ministry of Defence.

Corporal Dean John, 25, and Corporal Graeme Stiff, 24, of the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, were killed on Sunday in a blast in the Garmsir district of southern Helmand.

The pair, serving with 1st The Queen's Dragoon Guards, were travelling in a Jackal, an off-road armoured vehicle, when it was struck by an explosive device.

The number of British service personnel who have died in the country since operations began in 2001 has now reached 152.

The squadron patrols an area around the Helmand river known as the "Snake's Head" because of its shape.

Cpl John, from Port Talbot, Wales, was married with three sons.

Interviewed before Christmas, he said: "My job is to keep the tanks on the road. The tanks are a deterrent to the Taleban because they look nasty."

His wife, Wendy, said: "Dean was a much loved husband and father. He died doing the job he loved."

His commanding officer, Lieutenant Colonel Alan Richmond, said: "He was one of the most incredible mechanics with whom I have had the privilege of serving; so utterly dependable that people fought to secure his services."

Cpl Stiff was born in Munster, Germany, and came from a military background. He was on his first operational tour.

His family said: "Graeme was a loving and loved brother, son and grandson whose life was cruelly brought to an end. He gave his life so that others may live better ones."

Lt Col Richmond said: "He was an incredibly genuine individual; quiet, caring and selfless with a sharp sense of humour."