Tributes to Scots soldier killed trying to rescue comrade in Afghanistan

Published on Friday 23 July 2010 16:16

THE families of two soldiers shot dead in Afghanistan as they tried to rescue a comrade paid tribute to their bravery today.

• Lance Corporal Stephen Daniel Monkhouse (left) and Corporal Matthew James Stenton

Corporal Matthew James Stenton, from Wakefield, West Yorkshire, and Lance Corporal Stephen Daniel Monkhouse, from Greenock, Inverclyde, were killed on Wednesday in the Lashkar Gah district of Helmand province.

Cpl Stenton's relatives said: "We are so proud of Matthew and it comes as no surprise to us to hear that he died whilst trying to help one of his fellow comrades."

L/Cpl Monkhouse's family hailed the father of one, who was killed trying to save another life, saying: "That sums Stephen up."

Cpl Stenton, 23, from The Royal Dragoon Guards, and L/Cpl Monkhouse, 28, from the 1st Battalion Scots Guards, were killed by small arms fire after insurgents shot and wounded a fellow serviceman.

L/Cpl Monkhouse was said to have been looking forward to seeing his family before he was killed. A drummer with the Pipes and Drums, he played for the Duke of Kent who visited Lashkar Gah just days before he died.

Lieutenant Colonel Lincoln Jopp MC, Commanding Officer, 1st Battalion Scots Guards, said: "Ten minutes before he was killed, Lance Corporal Monkhouse was eagerly telling me about his plans for R&R, to see his son, to see his family and to see his friends back in Greenock."

And he said Greenock had "lost one of its finest" when he was killed.

He added: "Monkey died coming to the aid of a Guardsman who had been shot. He did what every soldier hopes he will have the courage to do if the need arises: he laid down his life for his friend."

Pipe Major Brian Heriot, 1st Battalion Scots Guards, said the soldier, who joined the Pipes and Drums in 2007 despite having no musical background, was a "shining example of how with determination and ambition you can achieve your goals".

"The Pipes and Drums are a close knit team and I know I speak for all of the boys when I say we have lost one of our most charismatic and enjoyable characters, always at the forefront of anything that was going on and usually the instigator of any practical jokes."

L/Cpl Terry Brown, 1st Battalion Scots Guards, said the Celtic fan would be remembered for his "infectious sense of humour".

"However, he will also be remembered for his love of his son, Brandon, who he absolutely adored," he said.

"All he spoke of during this deployment was getting back to see the wee man."

Cpl Stenton leaves behind his father and stepmother, Michael and Gillian, and sister Charlotte.

His relatives said the "loving son, brother and grandson" would be "dearly missed".

"Matthew always took life in his stride and never lost sight of the important things in life, his family and friends," they said.

"Matthew died how he lived his life, surrounded by his friends. We are so proud of Matthew and it comes as no surprise to us to hear that he died whilst trying to help one of his fellow comrades.

"You will always be in our hearts and minds, love you always Dad, Gillian and Charlotte."

L/Cpl Monkhouse, who lived with his mother, Linda Watt, leaves behind his son Brandon and his younger siblings Allan, Ashleigh and Stacey.

His relatives said: "Although Stephen died in very tragic circumstances, it is comforting to know that he died doing a job he loved – being a soldier.

"He loved the Army and the Scots Guards. He died trying to help save another life, that sums Stephen up.

"He loved life and lived it to the full and his memory will live on with us and his friends forever. God bless you son."

Cpl Stenton was commanding a Viking armoured vehicle and L/Cpl Monkhouse was the gunner of a Coyote vehicle when their comrade came under attack.

While Cpl Stenton manoeuvred his vehicle to help remove the injured serviceman, L/Cpl Monkhouse, known as "Monkey", provided support.

But the two were killed in the ensuing gunfire.

Cpl Stenton, who was born and raised in Wakefield and attended Wakefield Cathedral High School, was described as "an inspiration to us all" and an "outstanding soldier".

Lieutenant Colonel James Carr-Smith, Commanding Officer, The Royal Dragoon Guards, said: "It was typical of Corporal Matt Stenton that on the afternoon of Wednesday 21st July 2010 he was yet again looking out for those more junior than himself.

"He died in command of an armoured vehicle whilst successfully extracting a casualty and laying down fire on an insurgent position.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with his family. We will miss him hugely but his sacrifice will never be forgotten."