A YORKSHIRE soldier killed in Afghanistan has been named as Corporal Damian Stephen Lawrence.
The 25-year-old was killed on Sunday night after an explosive device detonated as he entered a compound.
He is survived by his daughter Jessica and partner Eve.
Cpl Lawrence, from the 2nd Battalion The Yorkshire Regiment (Green Howards) was described by one senior officer as “irreplaceable”.
Cpl Lawrence was born in Scarborough, North Yorkshire, but had his roots firmly based in the town of Whitby, a Ministry of Defence (MoD) spokesman said.
His mother Alison Lawrence said: “I would like all soldiers of the 2nd Battalion of The Yorkshire Regiment to promise me that on their return to England they find the nearest bar and raise a toast to my son.
“Damian was a very special son, always joking and loved to party. He was also an amazing father to his three-year-old daughter, Jessica.
“I know, like us, you will all have your own special memories of him and I want you all to know that he lived and breathed army life. I am proud as his mother to say he died doing what he loved.”
Cpl Lawrence was taking part in a joint UK-Afghan army night-patrol tasked with clearing a number of compounds in Kajaki, in Helmand Province, the MoD spokesman said.
“Immediately upon entry into a compound, an explosive device detonated, fatally injuring Corporal Lawrence.
“Another soldier was also wounded, but his injuries are not life-threatening.
“Medical treatment was administered at the scene and both soldiers were evacuated to Camp Bastion by emergency response helicopter.
“Sadly Corporal Lawrence succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead on arrival.”
