Serviceman described as 'true Lion of England'

Lance Corporal Jordan Dean Bancroft, from the 1st Battalion The Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment, was killed during a battle with insurgents in southern Nad-e Ali, Helmand, on Saturday.

The British death toll in the Afghan campaign since 2001 now stands at 332.

Lance Cpl Bancroft, 25, from Burnley, went to Afghanistan in March as a Section Second in Command with 1 Platoon, Anzio Company – part of the battalion.

A spokesman for the Ministry of Defence said: “The soldiers of Anzio Company have undoubtedly improved the lives of hundreds of local Afghans during their five months in Nad-e Ali by conducting frequent joint security and reassurance patrols with their Afghan National Army colleagues.”

Yesterday, as part of the “hold and build” phase of Operation Tor Shezada in Sayedebad, central Helmand, Lance Cpl Bancroft’s platoon was providing security for a meeting between coalition troops and village elders.

“Sadly, during an exchange of fire with insurgents, Lance Cpl Bancroft was shot and killed in action,” the spokesman said.

Lance Cpl Bancroft joined the Army in September 2001, and served twice in Iraq before his posting to Afghanistan.

The spokesman said: “He was a highly professional and capable junior non-commissioned officer – one who relished life in the Army.

“He had an absolute dedication to the regiment, to the battalion, to his company and to the men he served with.

“However more importantly he will be long remembered for his love for his family and girlfriend – they held a special place in his life and were his first love.”

His family said: “We will always remember Jordan loving a challenge, in particular outdoor pursuits.

“He was a keen snow skier and often skied for the regiment. He loved all watersports and took any opportunity to ride a jet ski or drive a speed boat.

“We will miss Jordan so much and it will leave a huge hole in all our lives.”

Lieutenant Colonel Frazer Lawrence, Commanding Officer 1st Battalion, The Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment, said: “Lance Cpl Bancroft died doing the job he loved, whilst playing his part in improving security for the people of Afghanistan. He was one of the biggest characters within the regiment – an exceptional soldier and a very talented junior non-commissioned officer.

“The Army, his regiment, the battalion and most importantly his mates meant the world to Lance Cpl Bancroft – he would do anything for them. But, he held his family and girlfriend above all else – they were his life.

“We mourn the loss of Lance Cpl Bancroft and we offer our deepest condolences to all of his family and his girlfriend, Lauren, in this dark time – our thoughts are with them. The battalion has lost one of its finest – a true Lion of England.”

Defence Secretary Dr Liam Fox said: “I was deeply saddened to learn of the death of Lance Cpl Jordan Dean Bancroft.

“His selfless bravery and sense of duty have been highly praised by his colleagues.”