Blown up and bogged down but unbowed: tributes to epitome of a Highland soldier

A SCOTTISH soldier shot dead in southern Afghanistan "didn't go down without putting up a fight", his comrades said.

Corporal Michael Pike, 26, from Huntly, Aberdeenshire, died after insurgents armed with guns and rocket-propelled grenades attacked his patrol in the Lashkar Gah district of Helmand Province on Friday.

His colleagues, from 4th Battalion, the Royal Regiment of Scotland, said his quick reactions as he returned fire saved lives. They said the father of two was the epitome of a Highland soldier.

Cpl Pike, described as a "loving and caring family man", leaves a wife, Ida, and two children, Joshua and Evelynn.

His wife said: "My husband would want everybody to know that he died doing a job he loved and that he loved our children with all his heart and soul."

Cpl Pike, second in command of 2 platoon, A-Company, based at Check Point Pegasus, was on his second tour of Afghanistan.

He was leading the patrol in the area of Pupalzay along Highway 601 when it came under attack. He fired back on the enemy and his colleagues praised his quick reactions which allowed them time to move out of danger.

His platoon chiefs said in a statement: "He passed away doing the job he loved, but he didn't go down without putting up a fight. He was suppressing the enemy in order to cover the lead wagon, the ground call sign and to allow other call signs to manoeuvre out of immediate danger."

Lieutenant Robert Grant, 2 Platoon Commander, A-Company, said: "An exceptional soldier and inspirational leader, Cpl Pike will be forever missed.

"His death, saving the lives of the men he was devoted to, marks the tragic end of a life that has touched so many, so deeply that it seems almost unreal."

Lieutenant Colonel AJ Aitken, Commanding Officer of Combined Force Lashkar Gah and The Highlanders, 4th Battalion, said: "He was an enormously popular, charismatic and engaging character; a natural leader.

"As a junior commander, he was entirely dedicated to his soldiers, leading from the front with every step and they would follow him anywhere.

"He was the very epitome of a Highland soldier: fierce in battle, compassionate to all and unswervingly loyal to his friends - a code he lived by to the very end.

"Above all else, he was a deeply loving and caring family man.

"However, I have a strong suspicion that he would not want us to dwell on his loss, I suspect that he would simply put his kit on, make a joke about it and carry on."

Captain Dave Robertson, Company Second in Command, A-Company, said: "Unfazed by anything that was thrown at him: blown up, bogged in and under heavy fire, Cpl Pike never let any of the Jocks down once.

"He was a pleasure to have known and a privilege to have commanded."