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.
By The Newsroom
Published 27th Jan 2011, 08:05 BST
Updated 27th Jan 2011, 08:07 BST

His superiors described Private Martin Bell, 24, 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."

Related topics:Martin BellYorkshireAfghanistanBradfordWest Yorkshire