Tributes to latest Scots killed in Afghanistan

Published on Tuesday 9 February 2010 22:00

TWO Scottish soldiers killed by an explosion in Afghanistan have been named by the Ministry of Defence.

• Private Sean McDonald: 'was so proud to be a soldier'. Corporal John Moore: rated one of his regiment's 'brightest stars'. Pictures: PA

They were Cpl John Moore, 22, and Pte Sean McDonald, 26, from the Royal Scots Borderers, 1st Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland. The pair died while on foot patrol near Sangin in Helmand province on Sunday.

A soldier from 36 Engineer Regiment – part of the Counter-IED Task Force – died on Monday, taking the total of British servicemen and women killed since operations in Afghanistan began to 256.

The latest deaths mean the number of British killed in Afghanistan is now higher than during the 1982 Falklands War.

Cpl Moore, from Bellshill, Lanarkshire, was commanding his section on a routine night patrol when a roadside bomb detonated, killing him and lead man, Pte McDonald, who was born in Toronto but went to school in Edinburgh.

Defence Secretary Bob Ainsworth said: "I was so very sorry to learn of the deaths of Corporal John Moore and Private Sean McDonald.

"Hearing about these two brave men, I am filled with admiration for their courage and loyalty. Corporal Moore was clearly an extremely committed leader who was ready to rise to every challenge.

"Private McDonald was obviously a soldier's soldier who knowingly took risks to help bring a better future for the people in his area of operations.

"It is very clear that both were professional, courageous, selfless, and committed – true infantry soldiers. My thoughts and deepest sympathies are with their loved ones."

Cpl Moore's relatives said they were "devastated".

A statement from the family said: "Johnathan was a proud Scottish soldier who was doing a job that he loved – he will be sadly missed by a loving and very proud family. The army and his family were Johnathan's life we are devastated at our loss".

Pte McDonald, who had a wife, Jennifer, will be "desperately missed", his mother Jacqueline McDonald said.

She added: "My son was so proud to be a soldier. He will be desperately missed by all family and friends. This tragedy has left a hole in our lives and a hole in our heart. Sleep well, baby boy."

Cpl Moore, a rising star among his comrades, was a "junior leader of the rarest quality".

Lieutenant Colonel Nick Kitson, commanding officer of 3 Rifles battle group, said: "Corporal John Moore was as determined and committed as he was able and professional.

"A junior leader of the rarest quality, our army depends on men like him and his loss is a bitter blow.

"Another of our brightest stars has given his all before we have had the chance to see his full and undoubted potential unfold.

"Yet he would be the first to tell us not to dwell on our sense of terrible loss but to pick ourselves up and carry on the outstanding work he and his men have been doing."

He was "an example to us all", Lt-Col Kitson added.

Lieutenant Colonel Charlie Herbert, of 1st Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland, said: "He had all the attributes of the perfect Scottish warrior – bold, charismatic, tough as nails, utterly professional and a born leader of men. He was destined for the top; best student on his non-commissioned officer course in 2007, and a star of his corporals' course in 2008.

"I have lost one of my most gifted young commanders, the Royal Regiment of Scotland has lost a shining star of the future, but I am conscious that his family have lost a son and a brother.

"My heart goes out to them. He will be missed, but never forgotten."

Related articles:

Gordon Brown hails 'sacrifice' as troops prepare for offensive

MPs warn forces are overstretched and unable to take on new tasks