DRAMATIC scenes in Afghanistan shows the desperation of people as they attempt to flee the country following the country collapsing under Taliban rule.
With the world watching the shocking events unfold, 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.
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Here, we pay tribute to the Berkshire soldiers who died while serving in these operations.
Sergeant Barry Weston
From: Reading
Died: August 30, 2011
Sergeant Weston was killed while leading a patrol operating near the village of Sukmanda in southern Nahr-e Saraj district, Helmand province.
The patrol was participating in an operation to draw insurgents away from the civilian population in order to disrupt their activity and further expand the influence of the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan.
During the patrol, Sergeant Weston was fatally injured by an improvised explosive device.
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His family paid a tribute: "We are devastated by the loss of Baz; he was a caring, loving husband and son and a devoted father. He died doing the job he loved and we are very proud of him."
Corporal Richard Green
From: Reading
Died: March 2, 2010
Corporal Richard Green, 23, from Reading, Berkshire, of the 3rd Battalion The Rifles, was killed on Tuesday, March 2, 2010.
Corporal Green died as a result of small arms fire near Sangin in Helmand province of Afghanistan.
Paying tribute, his family said: “Richard was a larger than life character who packed so much into his short life.
“We are so proud of him and will miss him more than words can ever say, but we do take comfort from the thought that, if there is a heaven, he is now having a laugh with his friends whose lives have been taken, just like his, over the past year.”
Lieutenant Douglas Dalzell
From: Hampstead Marshall
Died: February 18, 2010
Lieutenant Dalzell, 27, from Hampstead Marshall, near Newbury, Berkshire and of 1st Battalion Coldstream Guards, was killed on Thursday, February 18, 2010.
He was killed as a result of an explosion during Operation MOSHTARAK in the Babaji area of Nahr-e-Saraj in central Helmand .
Lieutenant Dalzell’s family paid the following tribute: “Our darling son and brother to Olivia and Angus, you touched the hearts of so many. You are our world and we love you with all our hearts. You only ever looked for the good in people and kept strong and happy in all you did. You are a true hero and we will miss you forever.”
Lieutenant Colonel Toby Gray, Commanding Officer, 1st Battalion Coldstream Guards, added: “A bright light has gone out in this glorious regiment. In his memory I know all ranks will rise to the challenges of the coming months so that Dougie’s sacrifice is not in vain - he would want us to push hard to the end. He did.”
Rifleman Cyrus Thatcher
From: Reading
Died: June 2 2009
Rifleman Cyrus Thatcher, 19, from Reading, Berkshire and of the 2nd Battalion The Rifles was killed on Tuesday, June 2 2009.
He died as a result of an explosion whilst he was on a patrol near Gereshk.
Rifleman Thatcher’s parents, Robin and Helena, and brothers Zac and Steely, gave the following tribute:
Cyrus was a much-loved son and brother whose loss we will never recover from. He loved his job and was proud to serve his country. We will always be immensely proud of him. He will forever be in our hearts and minds.
Lieutenant Colonel Rob Thomson, Commanding Officer 2nd Battalion The Rifles, added: “He was one of the very best - a real thinking Rifleman whose questions were always perceptive and on the money.”
Marine Benjamin Reddy
From: Ascot
Died: March 6 2007
Marine Benjamin Reddy, 22, from Ascot, Berkshire, of the 42 Commando Royal Marines was killed on Tuesday, March 6 2007.
Marine Reddy was killed when his unit came under fire during a deliberate clearance operation in the Kajaki area of Helmand Province.
In tribute, Marine Reddy’s parents, Phil and Liz, and brother Jamie, issued the following statement: “This is the saddest day in our lives. Our son Ben’s death has left us feeling totally empty. He was and always will be our hero, not only as a son but as a brother to Jamie. We want to wish all the personnel serving in action abroad a safe return to their families.”
His Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Colonel Matt Holmes Royal Marines, added: “Ben Reddy was a dedicated Royal Marine. He will be remembered as an honest and unselfish man who was conscientious in his approach to his duties and always worked hard for his friends and colleagues.”
Lieutenant Ralph Johnson
From: Windsor
Died: August 1 2006
Lieutenant Ralph Johnson, 24, from Windsor, Berkshire, and of Household Cavalry Regiment, died on Tuesday, August 1 2006.
He was killed following an incident involving insurgent forces in northern Helmand Province.
Lieutenant Colonel Edward Smyth-Osbourne, Commanding Officer of the Household Cavalry Regiment, based in Windsor, said of him: “He was brave, determined and thoroughly loyal to his soldiers and superiors.
“With his death the Household Cavalry Regiment has suffered the loss of an exemplary young officer and our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends.”
Lance Corporal Peter Edward Craddock
From: Newbury
Died: March 27 2006
Lance Corporal Peter Edward Craddock, 31, from Newbury, Berkshire and of 1st Battalion The Royal Gloucestershire, Berkshire and Wiltshire Regiment died on Monday, March 27 2006.
His death was as a result of a road traffic accident in Lashkar Gah, Southern Afghanistan, with enemy forces not thought to be involved.
Lance Corporal Craddock’s Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Colonel David Brown, said of him: “You do not get soldiers any better than Lance Corporal Craddock. His loss on his multiple’s final patrol before completion of their 6-month operational tour of Afghanistan is an utter tragedy. We all felt numb at the news of his death."
Rifleman Paul Donnachie
From: Reading
Died: April 29 2007
Rifleman Paul Donnachie, 18, of the 2nd Battalion The Rifles was killed on Sunday, April 29 2007.
He was killed in a small arms fire attack while on a routine patrol in the Al Ashar district, east of central Basra, Iraq.
His family paid tribute, saying: "Paul you were a wonderful son and brother, a credit to all of us. You always strived for what you wanted and what you wanted was to be part of the British Army. You have always made us very proud and you will never be forgotten. We love you and miss you so much."
His Company Commander said: "Rifleman Donnachie was no average Rifleman; brimming with confidence and a cheeky sense of humour. His loss is tragic and he will be sorely missed by those who had the privilege of working with him. He really was the Best of British."
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