JEFF DOHERTYPrivate Jeff Doherty was killed by the Taliban in Afghanistan on 12 June, 2008, aged 20, while on foot patrol with the 2nd Battalion The Parachute Regiment.
He died alongside Lance Corporal James Bateman in the incident which happened close to their base at Forward Operating Base Gibraltar in the Upper Gereshk Valley after coming under enemy fire.
Private Doherty's family said: "We would like to thank all those who have sent their kind words following the death of our son JJ. Many of these have come from his friends in 2 PARA who continue to serve in Afghanistan. Our thoughts are with you all and with your families.
"We also have special thoughts for the families of the other soldiers who have also died whilst serving abroad. This is a terribly difficult time.
"JJ was such a wonderful son. He was the light of our lives and we all loved him. He was a hero to his brother and sisters and they loved him dearly.
"We will never forget the bright sparkle in his eyes and the way he could light up a room with his smile. He touched everyone who met him and we shall miss him desperately. We would ask for some space now to allow us to come to terms with our loss.
"Jeff lived and died doing what he loved and we are proud of him for that. We sincerely hope that his friends can draw strength from his death and we wish them all a safe return home."
Private Jeff ‘Doc’ Doherty was born in Coventry on 10 June, 1988. Joining the Parachute Regiment had long been his passion and he passed out with 699 Platoon from the Infantry Training Centre Catterick, joining 2 PARA in March 2006.
His deployment with C (Bruneval) Company to Afghanistan on Op HERRICK 8 was his first operational tour. He lived in Southam, Warwickshire with his father at the family home.
Private Doherty completed the Drill and Duties course for promotion to Lance Corporal in 2007 and given his very strong performance during the early months of the tour he was a firm contender for promotion on return from Afghanistan.
He was an exceptionally fit and strong Paratrooper, proud in his profession and intent on making every moment count. He had boxed at an amateur level for the Company at light weight during inter company boxing where he had displayed his hallmark tenacity, strength, speed and courage.
He had a passion for the Parachute Regiment, living life to the full and always living up to the motto Utrinque Paratus – he was truly ready for anything. Private Doherty was a morale tonic, he touched all he knew with his infectious sense of humour and ability to lift the veil of darkness from any bleak moment.
Their Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Colonel Joe O’Sullivan, said: "They died doing what they had been asked to do, operating in difficult country against a dangerous enemy to make it harder for the enemy to influence the people and give those people the chance of a better life. They had patrolled the area around FOB GIBRALTAR with great skill for 2 months and had taken the fight to the Taliban in the Musa Qal’eh Wadi.
"The Battalion’s memorial stone bears the inscription ‘there is no better place in the world to be than in the midst of 2 PARA when there is a battle on’. LCpl James Bateman and Pte Jeff Doherty wanted to be in the Parachute Regiment and in the midst of 2 PARA in Afghanistan.
"Their commitment to their friends and the steadfast courage they showed as they faced their battle this morning is in the finest tradition of the Regiment and admired by us all. We will think about them, and what they were prepared to give here, and we will think about their families whose loss is so great."
He leaves behind a much-loved younger brother and three sisters.
His Company Commander, Major Adam Dawson spoke of his potential and talent: "Pte Doherty was at the top of his game, selected to be lead Scout in his section for his maturity, professionalism and innate talent for soldiering. By very nature of his role, he was always to be found at the front, finding the safe route for his team and using his skills to pathfind through the intricacies of the Helmand Green Zone.
"He demonstrated all that is dear to the Paratrooper – he was passionate, fit, robust and never one to call time. His boxing talents were also well recognised and he had a formidable reputation in the ring, displaying the same determination that he reflected in his daily soldiering.
"Proud and strong, light hearted and a liver of life, Pte Doherty will not fade in the memories of the men of Bruneval Company, he will be held as the standard, the epitome of the Paratrooper on operations and the soldier entrusted to keep his section on track. "He died as he lived, placing others first and accepting the significant burden of responsibility for his fellow Paratrooper who followed him. I was proud to have known him.”
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