Father pays tribute to Army patrol

THE father of an Army officer who died after being shot in Afghanistan has praised his son's comrades for their "unbelievable bravery" in trying to save his life.

By The Newsroom

Published 23rd Jul 2010, 12:14 BST

Updated 23rd Jul 2010, 12:15 BST

Speaking after a four-day inquest into the death of Lieutenant Mark Evison, his father David praised members of the 26-year-old's patrol for their courage under enemy fire.

The inquest heard members of Lt Evison's patrol were pinned down and under fire from all directions on May 9 last year.

Lt Evison, from London, suffered a severed artery when he was shot.

Despite intense enemy fire, two soldiers – Gunner Steven Gadsby, who was awarded the Conspicuous Gallantry Cross, and Guardsman Josese Korosaya – hoisted him onto their shoulders as the patrol fought its way 500 metres back to its base.

Lt Evison's father said: "We have to emphasise that his boys on patrol did absolutely everything — they risked their lives under enemy fire, taking enormous risks to get him back in order to look after him."

The coroner recorded a verdict that Lt Evison was killed on active service.

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