Soldier killed on Remembrance Day mourned

Ranger Aaron McCormick, 22, from Macosquin, Co Londonderry, of 1st Battalion, The Royal Irish Regiment, was caught in a blast while out on patrol in the Nad'e Ali area of Helmand province on Sunday morning.

His death came as Prince William flew into Camp Bastion with Defence Secretary Dr Liam Fox for a service of remembrance.

A total of 344 UK military personnel have died since operations in Afghanistan began in 2001.

Ranger McCormick was a Star Wars fan, his fellow soldiers said.

He leaves behind his parents, two sisters, brother and his girlfriend.

Paying tribute, Lieutenant Colonel Colin Weir, Commanding Officer, 1st Battalion, The Royal Irish Regiment, said: "Ranger Aaron McCormick was the epitome of the Irish Infantry soldier: tough; selfless; good-humoured and full of compassion.

"Today, there is a gap in our ranks which no ordinary man could fill. He was the best of his country and we mourn his loss."

Captain Dougie Beattie, Battle Captain, A Company, 1st Battalion, The Royal Irish Regiment, who served alongside him, said: "He was a larger-than-life character, a giant amongst men and he sacrificed his life to ensure the safety of his colleagues and the local Afghan population."

His friend, Ranger Daniel Jackson, who served alongside him in A Company, explained: "Aaron went by many names, but to his friends he was "Jedi".

"He was a great friend who will be missed by all close to him. He was always around for you if you had any problems, as long as you provided mug and brew.

"I, along with his family and friends, will never forget Aaron. My thoughts are with his friends and family."

Defence Secretary Liam Fox, added: "I was saddened to hear of the death of Ranger Aaron McCormick. He has been described by his colleagues and commanders as a courageous soldier who was always willing to put himself in harm's way to protect his colleagues when on patrol.

"He excelled on his recent course, and had been marked out as having a bright and full career ahead of him with the Royal Irish Regiment.

"My thoughts and prayers go to his family and friends at this tragic time. He will be remembered and his sacrifice will not be forgotten."

Northern Ireland Secretary Owen Paterson said: "On the day that we remembered all those who died defending freedom and democracy another brave young man gave his life in that cause.

"This conflict is global but the grief and pain of loss is intensely personal. My thoughts are with the family and friends of this courageous soldier."

East Londonderry Ulster Unionist Assembly member David McClarty said the latest victim's mother was actively involved in filling boxes to be sent to soldiers in Afghanistan.

"Now is the time for our thoughts and prayers to be very much with the family of the young soldier who has lost his life so tragically and so untimely in Afghanistan," he said.

Blasts mark day of reflection

Remembrance Sunday was marked in Afghanistan by a series of bomb blasts across the war torn country.

The attacks killed 11 people, including Ranger Aaron McCormick, and four other Nato service members and three Afghan police.

The strikes came a day after Taliban fighters stormed a Nato base in eastern Afghanistan and brings the number of deaths of coalition forces so far this month to 31.

Nato said it was investigating the death of an Afghan child was killed inadvertently during fighting in the Zhari district of Kandahar province.

It was also announced that Afghanistan's former ambassador-designate to Pakistan, Abdul Khaliq Farahi, who was seized by gunmen two years ago in the Pakistani city of Peshawar, has been released and is back home.