The soldier was killed by small arms fire while manning a checkpoint near the town of Garmsir in Helmand Province. He was from Number 3 Company Grenadier Guards, which is operating from Patrol Base Delhi in Garmsir district centre in southern Helmand Province. The Company is responsible for the protection of the Patrol Base and for local security in the immediate area.
In the early hours of Thursday morning, the soldier had formed part of a team manning the Eastern Checkpoint, one of three checkpoints in the district centre. At 0645 Afghanistan time the checkpoint came under attack from a force of between eight and ten lightly-armed Taliban fighters.
The Grenadiers returned fire with small arms and during the ensuing gun battle, the soldier, who was manning a General Purpose Machine Gun, sustained a gunshot wound. As the fire fight intensified, with the Taliban using Rocket Propelled Grenades as well as small arms, ISAF forces called in support from British artillery.
The soldier was pulled out of the firing line by members of the Quick Reaction Force from Patrol Base Delhi and was then flown to the medical facilities at Camp Bastion, the main British base in the area. Despite their best efforts, the medical teams on the helicopter and at the base were unable to save his life. Meanwhile the engagement continued at the Eastern Checkpoint; two Dutch F16 aircraft arrived to provide air support and, at around 0830, a 500lb bomb was dropped on the Taliban firing position. The remainder of the team who had been engaged by the Taliban were then relieved by incoming troops and were able to return to base.
Next of kin have been informed and have requested a period of grace before further details are released.