Hero Para died going to help wounded friend

A Yorkshire paratrooper who became the UK’s 350th military fatality in Afghanistan died after disobeying a direct order and going to provide urgent first aid to a wounded friend.

His superiors described Private Martin Bell, 24, left, from Bradford, as a hero whose selfless act cost him his life.

His family said his death would “leave behind a hole in all of our hearts that will never be replaced”.

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Pte Bell, from 2nd Battalion The Parachute Regiment, was fatally wounded by the blast from an improvised explosive device (IED) to the south of Nahr-e-Saraj in Helmand province on Tuesday.

He was struck at 8.25am as he moved to help a comrade injured by a separate device.

Pte Bell, who was a Police Community Supporter Officer in West Yorkshire for three years before joining the Army in 2009, leaves behind his parents Simon and Elaine and brothers Oliver and Philip.

The family said in a statement: “Martin was a well-loved son, grandson, nephew, cousin, uncle and brother. He made us all very proud and he will leave behind a hole in all of our hearts that will never be replaced.”

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Lieutenant Colonel Andrew Harrison, Commanding Officer, 2 Para, said: “The term ‘hero’ is overused in contemporary commentary; take a moment to reflect on the image of Martin Bell, a 24-year-old paratrooper who disobeyed a direct order in order to render life-saving first aid to his colleague.

“For that exceptional valour he paid the ultimate price.”

Regimental Sergeant Major Alan Armstrong said: “Private Bell died as he went to the assistance of one of his fellow paratroopers who had suffered a serious injury.

“He disregarded the immediate danger which surrounded him in order to give urgent first aid to his wounded comrade. This selfless act cost him his life.

“This outstanding act of bravery was typical of Private Bell.”

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Other colleagues said he was a key member of his platoon who would often put himself in harm’s way for the sake of his friends.

He was described as a “legend”, an “awesome bloke” and a “soldier of the highest calibre”.

The soldier was said to be a “rising star”.

Lieutenant Leun Wetherall, 8 Platoon Commander, C Company, said: “Private Martin Bell was a giant among men. A true airborne warrior.

“With his sharp sense of humour and unwavering professionalism, he left his stamp on everything.”

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Defence Secretary Liam Fox said: “Private Martin Bell was killed whilst providing security to the local population, and ultimately protecting our national security.

“It is clear by his actions and from the high praise of his colleagues in 2nd Battalion The Parachute Regiment that he was an immensely brave, selfless and highly professional soldier.

“My deepest condolences go out to his loved ones and those who served with him.”

Of the 350 British military fatalities since operations began in 2001, 309 were killed as a result of hostile action.

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A further 41 are known to have died either as a result of illness, non-combat injuries or accidents, or have not yet officially been assigned a cause of death pending the outcome of an investigation.

British commanders insist the handover of security to Afghan forces remains on course for 2014.

But fatalities continue to mount and on a visit to the country earlier this month Dr Fox said the task of the armed forces was likely to remain as tough this year as last.

IEDs have emerged as the greatest threat.

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