Shropshire Remembrance Day blast soldier named

The Shropshire soldier killed in Afghanistan on Remembrance Sunday was today described as the "epitome of the Irish Infantry soldier".

Ranger Aaron McCormick, 22, of 1st Battalion, The Royal Irish Regiment, based at Tern Hill, near Market Drayton, was caught in a blast while out on patrol in the Nad'e Ali area of Helmand province yesterday morning.

His death came as Prince William flew into Camp Bastion with Defence Secretary Dr Liam Fox for a service of remembrance.

A total of 344 UK military personnel have died since operations in Afghanistan began in 2001.

Ranger McCormick was a Star Wars fan, his fellow soldiers said.

He leaves behind his parents, two sisters, brother and his girlfriend.

Paying tribute, Lieutenant Colonel Colin Weir MBE, Commanding Officer, 1st Battalion, The Royal Irish Regiment, said: "Ranger Aaron McCormick was the epitome of the Irish Infantry soldier: tough; selfless; good-humoured and full of compassion.

"Today, there is a gap in our ranks which no ordinary man could fill. He was the best of his country and we mourn his loss."

Captain Dougie Beattie MC, Battle Captain, A Company, 1st Battalion, The Royal Irish Regiment, who served alongside him, said: "He was a larger-than-life character, a giant amongst men and he sacrificed his life to ensure the safety of his colleagues and the local Afghan population."

His friend Ranger Daniel Jackson, who served alongside him in A Company, 1st Battalion, The Royal Irish Regiment, explained: "Aaron went by many names, but to his friends he was "Jedi".

"He was a great friend who will be missed by all close to him. He was always around for you if you had any problems (as long as you provided mug and brew).

"I, along with his family and friends, will never forget Aaron. My thoughts are with his friends and family."

Defence Secretary Liam Fox, added: "I was saddened to hear of the death of Ranger Aaron McCormick. He has been described by his colleagues and commanders as a courageous soldier who was always willing to put himself in harm's way to protect his colleagues when on patrol.

"He excelled on his recent course, and had been marked out as having a bright and full career ahead of him with the Royal Irish Regiment.

"My thoughts and prayers go to his family and friends at this tragic time. He will be remembered and his sacrifice will not be forgotten."

Northern Ireland Secretary Owen Paterson said: "On the day that we remembered all those who died defending freedom and democracy another brave young man gave his life in that cause.

"This conflict is global but the grief and pain of loss is intensely personal.

"My thoughts are with the family and friends of this courageous soldier."

Sympathies were expressed in the Northern Ireland Assembly.

East Londonderry Ulster Unionist Assembly member David McClarty said the latest victim's mother was actively involved in filling boxes to be sent to soldiers in Afghanistan.

"Now is the time for our thoughts and prayers to be very much with the family of the young soldier who has lost his life so tragically and so untimely in Afghanistan, particularly yesterday which was Remembrance Sunday when certainly the majority of us were thinking about those young men and women who have given their lives for the sake of freedom not just in this country but throughout the world," he said.

Church of Ireland Bishop of Derry and Raphoe Rev Ken Good said he was shocked and saddened at Ranger McCormick's death.

"Over this past weekend the community has shared in many solemn acts of Remembrance for those who have served their country sacrificially, and in particular for those who have given their life in time of war," he said.

"To hear news of Ranger Aaron McCormick's death in Afghanistan on Remembrance Sunday brings home the enormity of the cost borne in such times of loss.

"As we shared in Acts of Remembrance on Sunday, we were all acutely aware that for the families of many service personnel, their grief is profoundly personal."

He said the thoughts and prayers of the diocesan family were with the McCormick family.