West Buckland soldier dies in Afghanistan

TRIBUTES are coming in for North Devon Guardsman Christopher King, aged 20, , who was killed in an explosion in Afghanistan on Wednesday. The news has saddened the residents of West Buckland, where his parents live. The soldier was the 19th British serv

TRIBUTES are coming in for North Devon Guardsman Christopher King, aged 20, , who was killed in an explosion in Afghanistan on Wednesday.

The news has saddened the residents of West Buckland, where his family lives.

The soldier was the 19th British serviceman to die in Afghanistan this month. He was from the 1st Battalion Coldstream Guards, but attached to the 1st Battalion Welsh Guards

Guardsman King was taking part in the current Operation Panther operation and was trying to clear a vulnerable area for a vehicle to pass through when he was killed by an explosive device.

Lt Col Toby Gray, his Commanding Officer, said: "Guardsman Chris King was every inch a Coldstream Guardsman. Although very proud of his own Regiment, he had fitted easily in to No 2 Company 1st Battalion Welsh Guards, earning respect at every turn as a professional young soldier with a resilient sense of humour."

The soldier's parents issued the following tribute through the Army: "Chris was a tremendous son. He was proud to be a Guardsman and died serving his country doing a job he loved.

"We are very proud of the fact that Chris was prepared to do his duty, helping to secure a lasting peace and provide stability to the people of Afghanistan.

"We are devastated by the loss of Chris who was a loving son and ask that the media respect our privgacy and allow our family to grieve in peace.