WITH the world's eyes on Afghanistan as the country has fallen under Taliban rule for the first time since they were removed from power by US-led forces in 2001, many families across the country and world continue to mourn their loved ones, lost in the past 20 years.
The number of British military personnel killed in operations in Afghanistan since 2001 is 456.
Here, we pay tribute to the Hampshire soldiers who died while serving in these operations.
Private Peter Joe Cowton
From: Basingstoke
Died: July 29 2008
Private Peter Joe Cowton, 25, from Basingstoke, Hampshire, of The 2nd Battallion The Parachute Regiment, died on Tuesday, 29 July 2008.
At 6am local time, he left on a a routine patrol conducting reassurance and interdiction activities and at 8.47am encountered enemy forces.
A short while later the patrol reported that Private Cowton had been seriously wounded by a blast. Sadly, despite the efforts of the medical response team, he died as a result of his injuries.
Private Cowton’s parents, Karen and Robin Rolfe, said: “Peter was proud to serve his country, having already served in Iraq whilst a member of the Territorial Army.
“He was so ‘Proud to be a Paratrooper’ as we, his parents, and family were. His short regular Army career will not be forgotten, and his ‘Red Beret’ will have loving memories in our home.”
2 PARA’s Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Colonel Joe O’Sullivan, added: “Pte Cowton was a remarkable man because he knew, as every member of the Battle Group knows, what he was risking and yet he chose to face a dangerous enemy in a harsh environment and to do so every day for his friends, his regiment and his country.”
Sergeant Peter Anthony Rayner
From: Born in Andover, lived in Bradford
Died: October 8 2010
Sergeant Peter Anthony Rayner 34, who was born in Andover, Hampshire, and of the 2nd Battalion The Duke of lancaster’s Regiment, was killed on Friday, october 8, 2010.
Sergeant Rayner was killed in action when he was struck by an improvised explosive device whilst leading his men on patrol in the Nahr-e Saraj district of Helmand province.
Paying tribute, his wife Wendy said: “Fantastic, loving husband and father, son, son-in-law, brother and brother-in-law, who loved his job and doing something which he believed in. He will be sincerely missed by all who knew him.”
Lieutenant Colonel Robbie Boyd, Commanding Officer, 2nd Battalion The Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment, said: “Sergeant Pete Rayner told you exactly how things were. He was honest, loyal and always vocal. A true Lion of England and a man of high morals, guts and integrity.”
![Daily Echo: Staff Sergeant Olaf Schmid, from Winchester [Credit: David Gill]](/resources/images/12905878.jpg?type=mds-article-620 "Daily Echo: Staff Sergeant Olaf Schmid, from Winchester [Credit: David Gill]")
Staff Sergeant Olaf Schmid
From: Winchester
Died: October 31, 2009
Staff Sergeant Olaf Sean George Schmid, 30, who lived in Winchester, Hampshire and was of the Royal Logistic Corps, was killed on Saturday, October 31 2009.
He was killed in Helmand province while trying to diffuse a bomb.
His wife Christina said: “Oz was a phenomenal husband and loving father who was cruelly murdered on his last day of a relentless five month tour.
“He was my best friend and soul mate. The pain of losing him is overwhelming. I take comfort knowing he saved countless lives with his hard work. I am so proud of him.”
Lieutenant Col Robert Thomson, Commanding Officer 2 RIFLES Battle Group added: “SSgt Oz Schmid was simply the bravest and most courageous man I have ever met. I adored working with him.”
Corporal David O’Connor
From: Havant
Died: October 24, 2012
Corporal David O'Connor, 27, from Havant, Hampshire, of the 40 Commando Royal Marines was killed on Wednesday, October 24, 2012.
Corporal O’Connor was participating in a training patrol with the Afghan Local Police in the Nahr-e Saraj district of Helmand Province.
While en route to conduct that training, the patrol came under small arms fire near the village of Char Kutsa.
Corporal O’Conner was fatally injured alongside his colleague and patrol medic, Corporal Day.
Paying tribute to his colleague, Lieutenant Colonel Matt Jackson Commanding Officer, 40 Commando Royal Marines, said: “Corporal Dave O’Connor was one of the best; he was loved and respected by those around him and was relentless in the pursuit of excellence in his duties. Utterly professional, his four operational tours of Iraq and Afghanistan marked him as one of the most devoted individuals in the Commando.
“Brave, committed and humorous it is difficult to find words that can possibly fill the void which has been left by this truly excellent junior commander; his loss is difficult to comprehend.”
Lance Corporal Matthew David Smith
From: Aldershot
Died: August 10, 2012
Lance Corporal Matthew Smith, 26, from Aldershot, Hampshire, from the Corps of Royal Engineers was killed on Friday, August 10, 2012.
Lance Corporal Smith was part of a troop tasked to build a new checkpoint next to the Nahr-e Bughra canal in the Nad ‘Ali district of Helmand province, when he was hit by small arms fire.
He received immediate first aid before being evacuated by helicopter but sadly died of his wounds.
Paying tribute, his mother, Caroline Smith, said: “A loving father to four beautiful children, who will be dearly missed by his fiancée, mother, father, family and friends. Our Hero, RIP.”
Lieutenant Colonel John Ridge, Commanding Officer, 26 Engineer Regiment, added: “Lance Corporal Smith embodied everything that is great about the Corps of Royal Engineers. He was incredibly hardworking, completely selfless and utterly professional.”
Private Robert Wood
From: Marchwood
Died: February 14, 2011
Private Robert Wood, 28, from Marchwood, Hampshire, of the Royal Logistics Corps, was killed on Monday, February 14, 2011.
He died alongside his colleague Private Dean Hutchinson in a fire in Camp Bastion, not thought to be linked to enemy action.
His family paid tribute, saying: “Rob was an adored and adoring son, partner, and father to his baby son. We are so immensely proud of him and he will live in our hearts forever.”
Lieutenant Colonel ST Hutchings, Commanding Officer Theatre Logistic Group, said: “Private Wood was part of a little-known, but highly specialist, trade within the Army. As a proud and professional Port Operator he had a key role in supporting operations worldwide.
“He had that innate ability to make friends easily, hugely popular and fiercely proud of being a Port Operator.”
Sapper William Blanchard
From: Gosport
Died: October 30, 2010
Sapper William Bernard Blanchard, 39, from Gosport, Hampshire, and of the 101 (City of London) Engineer Regiment, was killed on Saturday, October 30 2010.
Sapper Blanchard was killed as a result of a gunshot wound suffered whilst he was dealing with a suspect explosive device in the Nahr-e Saraj (North) area of Helmand province.
Paying tribute, his wife, Suzanne Blanchard, said: “Will was a wonderful husband, son, brother, father, brother-in-law, son-in-law and friend.
“Sorely missed, always in our hearts, never forgotten by his devastated family, friends and colleagues and his beloved wife.”
Lieutenant Colonel Mark Davis, Commanding Officer of the Counter-Improvised Explosive Device (C-IED) Task Force, added: “Sapper Blanchard was a father figure to the younger elements of the squadron.
“He was a perfectionist but one who had endless patience with his fellow soldiers, he was both impeccable and irreplaceable; people like Sapper Blanchard only come along once in a blue moon.”
Marine Richard Hollington
From: Petersfield
Died: June 2020, 2010
Marine Richard Hollington, 23, from Petersfield, Hampshire, of the 40 Commando Royal Marines was killed on Sunday, June 2020 2010.
On June 12 2010, Bravo Company was conducting a reassurance patrol in Afghanistan for the local nationals. At approximately 4.16pm local time, Marine Hollington was caught in an explosion.
He was immediately evacuated to Bastion Role 3 Hospital where his condition was listed as critical. With his parents and brothers present, he sadly died of his wounds.
His family’s tribute read; “Richard will leave a huge numbing hole in the lives of his family, friends and Royal Marine colleagues.
“He chose to live his days as a lion and to us, and we believe his friends, he was the biggest, if softest, lion in the pride - how proud of him we all are.”
Lieutenant Colonel Paul James, Commanding Officer, 40 Commando Group, Combined Force Sangin, said: “Marine Richard Hollington was one of my finest. He was bright, intrepid, determined and full of character; he was very much at the heart of 11 Troop.”
Staff Sergeant Chris Muir
From: Romsey
Died: March 31 2003
Staff Sergeant Chris Muir, 32, from Romsey, hampshire and of theRoyal Logistic Corps, was killed on March 31 2003.
He was killed during an explosive ordnance disposal operation in southern Iraq.
His wife, Gillian, said: “Chris was the sort of person that could light up a room just by being in it. He had a fantastic sense of humour and always tried to see the funny side, no matter what the situation.”
Lieutenant Colonel Mike Dolamore MBE, his Commanding Officer, added: “He will be remembered for his rich sense of humour and his sharp and clever wit. He was a very strong character, an outstanding technician, and a highly effective leader.”
Captain Richard John Holmes
From: Winchester
Died: February 28, 2006
Captain Richard John Holmes, 28 from Winchester, Hampshire, of the 2nd Batallion The Parachute Regiment, died on Tuesday, February 28 2006.
Captain Holmes was killed when a roadside bomb exploded as he conducted a routine patrol.
Lieutenant Colonel James Chiswell, his Commanding Officer, said: "Charming, compassionate and bright, Richard was one of The Parachute Regiment’s rising stars. He brought a warm humour and enormous professionalism to all he touched. He excelled as a young commander with both The Parachute Regiment and The Highlanders, and was deeply respected by those he led."
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