AARON MCCLUREPrivate Aaron McClure, who died on 23 August 2007 in a so-called “friendly fire” incident that also killed two other UK soldiers, was serving in Afghanistan with 1st Battalion The Royal Anglian Regiment.
Despite his young age – he was 19 at the time of his death - Private McClure was a veteran of more than forty conflict operations.
The two other soldiers who died were Private John Thrumble and Private Robert Foster
Colleagues described Private McClure as a highly capable, motivated soldier with great ambition and potential, but his talent was hidden by a modest, unassuming personality and a quiet confidence in his abilities.
He was regarded by colleagues as “incredibly focused” on his career and as tough mentally as he was physically.
Private Aaron James McClure, affectionately known as ‘Troy’, was from Ipswich. He joined the Army in March 2006 and completed rifleman training at the Infantry Training Centre Catterick.
In October 2006, Private McClure joined the 1st Battalion, The Royal Anglian Regiment, participating in exercises in the UK and Kenya.
He was deployed to Helmand Province in Afghanistan the following March to serve as a rifleman in 7 Platoon B (Suffolk) Company. It was his first operational tour and he was involved in many close-range engagements with the Taliban.
On 23 August 2007, PrivateMcClure’s platoon was on patrol near Kajaki, northern Helmand Province, when they came under attack by Taliban forces. Air support was requested from two American F15 aircraft and it appears that a bomb dropped by one of the planes hit the compound where Private McClure and his colleagues were located.
Their deaths brought the total number of British troops killed in Afghanistan at that time to 73.
Major Tony Borgnis, Officer Commanding B (Suffolk) Company said: "Private McClure was an exceptionally professional and highly motivated soldier. He rapidly established himself as one of the hardest working and most dependable soldiers I have.
“He consistently carried out even the most demanding tasks to the highest of standards. He was a true and loyal friend to all those he served with, always placing the needs of others above his own.”
Lieutenant-Colonel Stuart Carver Commanding Officer 1st Battalion the Royal Anglian Regiment added: "Loyal, hard working and highly professional, he constantly surpassed the standards expected, and his loss is a bitter blow to the whole Battalion."
Lieutenant George Seal-Coon, Platoon Commander 7 Platoon B (Suffolk) Company added: "Private Aaron McClure was a rising star of the platoon. As a soldier, he displayed the greatest levels of professionalism and dedication in the most arduous and dangerous of environments. As a friend he was utterly selfless and reliable. His strength of character was ever an inspiration to those who worked and lived alongside him."
PrivateMcClureleaves behind his parents and three brothers. His family said: "Aaron loved the army life to which he was dedicated and had aspirations for promotion. He was never happier than when with family who knew Aaron as a bright, happy, handsome lad who would do anything for anyone. He was a light in our lives now extinguished, always loved, never forgotten.”
Defence Secretary Des Browne said: "Although it appears that the deaths are the result of a tragic incident involving allied forces, it is important to remember that they died participating in an operation vital to the security of the British and Afghan people.”
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