Tragedy of dad-to-be Gregg Stone, killed on rescue mission in Afghanistan

Private Gregg Thomas Stone, 20, was shot dead on Sunday night as he took part in a daring mission to rescue a policeman kidnapped by extremists in the Nar-e-Seraj district of Helmand province.

The married soldier, from 3rd Battalion, The Yorkshire Regiment, was hit as his task force successfully saved policeman Abdul Walid from insurgents who captured him at a checkpoint.

Today, as tributes poured in for Pte Stone, it emerged he and his wife, “childhood sweetheart” Samantha, were expecting their first child.

Major Rob Singleton, Officer Commanding Burma Company, 3rd Battalion The Yorkshire Regiment, said: “Only a few days ago he told me how excited he was at the prospect of becoming a father for the first time.

“He will be sorely missed by everyone in Burma Company and he will never be forgotten.

“The thoughts and prayers of every member of Burma Company are with Gregg’s wife and his loving family.”

Pte Stone only deployed to the war-torn country on May 13 as part of 6 Platoon, Burma Company.

Army chiefs said he was looking forward to attending the Junior Non-Commissioned Officers course upon return from Afghanistan, “which he was sure to pass”.

His widow celebrated his life, saying: “Gregg and I were childhood sweethearts and we met at school - he was my soulmate.

“He was a brilliant husband and a family man who loved his family.

“He was always the one to want to make us laugh - he always cheered everyone up.

“He was proud to be a soldier and for what he had achieved in his work.

“He would also want me to mention his dog Benji, who he loved to bits.”

The soldier’s mother, Angela, father, Robert, brothers, Kallum, Jamie and Graeme, and sisters, Rosie and Jennie, also paid tribute to him.

In a statement they said: “He will always be a true hero in all our hearts.

“Anyone who was blessed enough to have known him will know how much of a credit to his friends and family he was.

“Words cannot begin to describe this great loss, and we are exceptionally proud of Gregg for everything he was and still is.

“Gregg was the kindest, funniest, friendliest, most popular lad that you could wish to meet.

“This is the saddest loss of our laughing boy.”

Pte Stone became the 417th member of UK forces to have died since operations in Afghanistan began in October 2001.

He joined the 3rd Battalion The Yorkshire Regiment in April 2010, after completing training at the Infantry Training Centre in Catterick.

After training as a light machine gunner and sharpshooter, he deployed with the regiment to train in Canada before starting training for Operation Herrick.

Lieutenant Colonel Zac Stenning, Commanding Officer, 3rd Battalion The Yorkshire Regiment, commended Pte Stone “who died protecting the lives of others”.

He said: “He was respected and admired by his fellows, as someone who was totally selfless and cared deeply for others.

“He was not only notable for his military skills but also for his singing prowess and his motocross achievements.

“His colleagues and friends describe him simply and unequivocally as a ‘legend’, such was his outgoing and upbeat nature.

“His hard-working attitude and eagerness to soldier, coupled with his friendliness and compassion, made him the perfect Yorkshire Infantry soldier and we are proud and honoured to have served with him.

“But our loss today is as nothing to that felt by his wife, Samantha, his five brothers and sisters and his parents whom he loved so much.

“Our thoughts and prayers are firmly with them on this sad day.”

Lieutenant Luke Mason, Burma Company’s 6 Platoon Commander, said Pte Stone’s “ability as an infantryman was unequalled”.

“It was an honour and a privilege to have commanded Pte Stone,” he said.

“But it was also my honour to have called him a friend.

“He will be missed terribly and our thoughts and prayers go to his family and wife, Samantha, at this difficult time.”

Warrant Officer Class II Liam Seviour, Company Sergeant Major, described Pte Stone as “an inspiration to us all”.

“Whenever anyone was down he would raise their spirits,” he said.

“He was selfless to the core and a great team player, who will be dearly missed.

“He was a good friend and was excited about becoming a father.”

Colour Sergeant Graeme Anderson, Company Quartermaster Sergeant, said: “He was popular with everyone and took great pride in being the soldier nominated to attend and pass the very difficult Sharpshooter course.

“He played his part to the maximum in what is already a well- drilled platoon, ensuring that he never lowered his standards and strived to be the very best.”

Corporal Philip Shaw, Section Commander 6 Platoon, said Pte Stone spoke very proudly of his wife and kept a photograph above of his bed of them both from their schooldays.

Corporal Michael Watson, Section Commander 6 Platoon, described his colleague as a man to be relied on, “the bravest of the brave”.

He said: “I regularly spoke to him about having children and being in the Army.

“We found comfort in each other through this and after being in a similar situation myself during Operation Herrick 10, I knew where he was coming from.

“He was always the first to volunteer for the next day’s patrol; the bravest of the brave.

“Private Stone was more a friend to me than a colleague.

“He will be missed dearly as we have lost a real character.”

Pte Stone was best man at Private Josh Knapton’s wedding.

He said: “He would have great banter with the lads and was always a great source of morale in the Company.

“He could never speak enough about his wife, Samantha, and his wider family who he was very close to.

“I will miss a true friend.”

Defence Secretary Philip Hammond said: “I was sorry to hear of the death of Private Stone, who was clearly a committed, courageous and professional soldier who had made a big impression since joining the Army just two years ago.

“His death will be a great loss to his fellow soldiers and my sympathies are with them and Private Stone’s wife and family, who should be extremely proud of what he achieved.”