British Soldier Killed In Afghanistan Named

6:31pm UK, Monday July 18, 2011

A British soldier who was killed in Afghanistan has been named
as Lance Corporal Paul Watkins.

L/Cpl Paul Watkins

Lance Corporal Paul Watkins

The 24-year-old died on Saturday after being shot while on a routine patrol in the south of the country. It is thought L/Cpl Watkins was killed by a member of the Afghan army. He was serving in Gereshk, in central Helmand province, as part of the 3rd Battalion The Mercian Regiment.

His family has paid tribute to him, saying he was proud of his work in Afghanistan, where he had been based since March. In a statement, they said: "He was such a loving and caring son, grandson and brother. He will be very sadly missed by his family and friends who loved him dearly."

The Ministry of Defence has described L/Cpl Watkins as "determined and intelligent".

His commanding officer, Lieutenant Colonel William Fooks said: "Lance Corporal Paul Watkins was absolutely someone you'd want on your team and by your side; tough, hugely dependable and determined, yet compassionate. "When all around him was frenzied activity Lance Corporal Watkins would be serenely and reassuringly calm. And combined with his arid sense of humour and his disarming grin, a big problem very quickly became no problem at all."

He was born in Port Elizabeth in South Africa and joined the Army in 2007. Paul was the eldest son of Rod and Gillian Watkins of  BenKama, Port Elizabeth,  

L/Cpl Watkins had already served in Iraq, as part of a training team for the Iraqi airborne forces.

The Port Elizabeth Branch of the South African Legion of Military Veterans extend their sincere condolences to Rod and Gillian  and the other members of the Watkins family, on this extremely sad event.

"At the Going Down of the Sun, and in the Morning, We will remember him"

 

Comments

Posted by: lawyer on July 19, 2011 10:12 AM

AND another!! HOW MANY MORE WASTED LIVES????
R.I.P. brother

Posted by: EW7 on July 19, 2011 8:37 AM

He was the most wonderful friend and person! He will be missed by SO many of us! Gone but NEVER forgotten!
xxx

Posted by: k.r.s.88 on July 19, 2011 8:31 AM

RIP soldier another very sad loss of a hero. Much to young to go

Posted by: Casual Observer on July 19, 2011 7:27 AM

I still don't understand what the UK is doing in this country. Am I alone?

Posted by: Rebel44 from Uranus on July 19, 2011 2:31 AM

Godspeed son...thank you for your sacrifice. RIP

Posted by: k.r.s.88 on July 18, 2011 11:02 PM

RIP soldier, another sad story :
( thank you for your hard work. You have made us proud. Much 2 young 2 pass! My heart goes out 2 the poor family friends & troops left

Posted by: Fletch E on July 18, 2011 8:38 PM

RIP Paul - God Bless You and your family

Courtesy Sky News.

This page created 19 July 2011

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