TRIBUTES have been paid to Graham Shaw – the first soldier from Huddersfield to be killed in Afghanistan.
The 27-year-old from Golcar was serving with the 3rd Battalion The Yorkshire Regiment when he was killed while on foot patrol on Monday by a roadside bomb near Malgir in Helmand.
He was killed along with a comrade, Liam Riley, 21, of Sheffield, who had been posted to Afghanistan on December 27 as a casualty replacement for an injured colleague.
A contingent from the regiment has been carrying out protection and re-supply work alongside an American route clearance platoon.
Yesterday, friends and relatives of Graham Shaw rushed to pay tribute to him with a series of online tributes.
They revealed that he was keen to serve in the conflict, and told loved ones “I love it, it’s what I live for”.
Corrine Hands wrote: “The only positive from this is that you left us doing the job you loved and believed in.
“You will be greatly missed.”
Another added: “I know you have left a mark with friends and family.
“Your friendship to me and mine knew no bounds.”
It is believed his parents, who had emigrated, are returning to the country.
One of the tribute sites dedicated to him is called “Graham Shaw, RIP True Soldier”.
Bob Mortimer, Huddersfield-based chairman of the Royal British Legion in West Yorkshire, said Graham's death was a “terrible tragedy”.
“He is the first soldier from Huddersfield to die in the Afghanistan conflict and it will really bring it home to the town, about the terrible cost.
“It is very sad for the whole town but particularly for the family and friends of Mr Shaw.
“I have attended several funerals in Castleford and Wakefield and have seen crowds of more than 2,000 at each, such is the public's wish to pay their respects.
“They really support our troops out there.
“It is sad that we are involved in a conflict that is not progressing at all.”
A Ministry of Defence update on the work carried out by the 3rd Battalion, The Yorkshire Regiment, in Afghanistan read: “The work we are doing here is very important to establish an area of security where locals can enjoy the freedom to get their lives back on track after what was a hard and costly summer, not only for the British Army but for the people who’s front door steps the fighting took place on.”
In a statement from the Ministry of Defence, Lieutenant Colonel David Wakefield, spokesman for Task Force Helmand, said: “It is with deep sadness I must inform you that IEDs (improvised explosive devices) claimed the lives of two British soldiers in the Malgir area of central Helmand, an area between Babaji and Gereshk.
“The soldiers were on a foot patrol when the explosions happened.
“Two of our comrades, taken from us in the course of their duty, whose resolute bravery and sacrifice we will remember."
Tributes were also paid last night to the other victim, Liam Riley, 21, of Killamarsh, near Sheffield.,
Julie Wilson, the headteacher of Westfield Sports College where Mr Riley had been a student, said he would be missed by those who knew him.
“He is remembered as a lively and well-liked young man,” said Ms Wilson.
Did you know L/Clp Graham Shaw? If you want to pay tribute to him please email: kevin.core@examiner.co.uk or telephon 01484 437764
