13/01/2010

Disposal Expert Killed In Afghanistan Named

A British solider killed in southern Afghanistan on Monday has been named by the Ministry of Defence.

Captain Daniel Read, from 11 Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Regiment, Royal Logistic Corps, died in the blast in the Musa Qaleh area, northern Helmand.

Kent-born Capt Read was an improvised explosive device (IED) disposal operator.

The 31-year-old's death brings the total number of UK lives lost in the conflict to 247, since the US-led invasion began in 2001.

Capt Read had just returned to the front line after being injured in an earlier explosion.

He was an experienced bomb-disposal operator who had dealt with 32 IEDs in Afghanistan.

Lt Col Gareth Bex, commanding officer of 11 EOD Regiment, said: "Dan Read was filled with a zest for life, and I found him instantly likeable when I first met him in November 2008.

"He epitomised the values of selfless commitment, loyalty and deep-seated courage.

"Such was his professionalism and determination that even an injury sustained in a bomb blast in October 2009 could not keep him away for more than two months and he returned to theatre in December 2009, as soon as his injuries were healed.

"Despite the inherent dangers, Dan was determined to return to Afghanistan. He had a job to finish and a team to re-join."

(PR/GK)

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