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Afghanistan: 'hero' Sapper Guy Mellors named as latest solider to die

A British soldier who was killed in an explosion in Afghanistan, Sapper Guy Mellors, has been hailed a hero by his family.

By Andrew Hough
Published: 8:28PM GMT 16 Feb 2010



Sapper Guy Mellors Photo: PA

The 20 year-old bomb disposal expert, from Coventry, from 36 Engineer Regiment, was killed on Monday while dealing with a roadside bomb near Patrol Base Ezaray to the north-east of Sangin District Centre, Helmand Province. The keen rugby player's death was related to Operation Moshtarak, according to the Ministry of Defence.

The soldier, who was educated as a Building and Structural Finisher, was serving as part of the Counter-Improvised Explosive Device Task Force. Late on Tuesday, his mother, Linda Holland, paid tribute to her "hero" son in a statement released by the MoD. She said the family was "very proud of Sapper Mellors", adding: "He will always be our hero, he lived his dream." He also leaves behind his step-father William and his two younger sisters Lana, aged 13 and Kia, aged 6.

Lieutenant Colonel Gareth Bex RLC, Commanding Officer, Counter IED Task Force also paid tribute. "Sapper Mellors was an impressive young man and an outstanding searcher," he said. "(He was) fearless and determined he was a great team player, well loved and respected by his comrades. With his impish grin and questioning nature he was never one to fade into the background.

"Although this was his first operational tour Sapper Mellors was a man very much in his element out here in Afghanistan; always the consummate soldier, he loved the search role and had a confidence beyond his years." He added: "Sapper Mellors excelled on operations in Afghanistan, revelling in the vital role his team conducted. The courage and resolve men like him show every day in ridding Afghanistan of the threat from IEDs is humbling.

"Although it is a tragedy to lose such a fine soldier, it is a comfort knowing that through his efforts many lives were saved, and that his efforts are recognized in Helmand and back home in the UK." Bob Ainsworth, the Defence Secretary, said he was "deeply saddened to hear about the death of Sapper Guy Mellors". "He was killed whilst operating as an important member of the Counter-IED Team which was bringing safety to both the local Afghan population and to his fellow ISAF and Afghan comrades," he said.

"A man of clear courage, determination, confidence and good humour, I extend my sincere condolences to his family, friends and colleagues as they come to terms with his loss at this very difficult time." Sapper Mellors was the second dead British soldier to be named today by the MoD. Earlier, a soldier killed in a suspected "friendly fire incident" on Sunday was identified as Kingsman Sean Dawson, from 2nd Battalion, The Duke of Lancaster's Regiment. A total of 261 British service personnel have now died since the start of operations in Afghanistan in 2001.