Two more soldiers killed in Afghanistan

Published on Tuesday 4 May 2010 00:34

TWO soldiers from the same regiment were killed in separate incidents in Afghanistan yesterday – as tributes were paid to a "true hero" killed in an explosion on Sunday.

One soldier from 21 Engineer Regiment died in a blast and another in a traffic accident, the Ministry of Defence said.

Sunday's victim was named as Corporal Harvey Alex Holmes, 22, from Hyde, Greater Manchester. He died in the blast in Sangin, in Helmand province.

The MoD said Cpl Holmes was killed by an improvised explosive device near patrol base Waterloo.

His family said in a statement: "Harvey lived for his family and his friends, but his passion was the army … Harvey has died a true hero."

He added: "We will remember him as the Cheshire oak that he was, standing firm always, and striking hard only to save others who were in trouble.

"He was the epitome of the modern British soldier and we will miss him deeply. Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this most difficult of times."

Major Mark Ellwood MBE, Officer Commanding A Company, 1st Battalion The Mercian Regiment (Cheshire), said: "Corporal Harvey Holmes, known by all as 'Holmesy', was the very epitome of professionalism."

Defence Secretary Bob Ainsworth said: "He was clearly a hugely popular and capable soldier. That he died providing protection for his comrades speaks volumes."