KUMAR PUNCorporal Kumar Pun, from 1st Battalion The Royal Gurkha Rifles lost his life as a result of an attack by a suicide bomber on 7 May 2009.
The Ministry of Defence confirmed that he died during a patrol in Gereshk, Helmand Province on 7 May 2009, in the attack which also claimed the life of Royal Military Police officer Sergeant Ben Ross.
The Nepal-born 31-year-old was the son of a British Gurkha, so was always destined to try for selection to join one of the most feared Regiments in the world and in 1996 passed the gruelling selection for the British Army.
He was posted to Church Crookham as a Rifleman in A (Delhi) Company the 1st Battalion the Royal Gurkha Rifles, with whom he served in Malaysia, Kenya, Oman, Belize, Kosovo, Brunei and Bosnia. This was his first deployment to Afghanistan.
He was Second-in-Command of a Multiple in Afghanistan, delivering vital training and mentoring to the Afghan National Police.
The Minstry of Defence said that he work he conducted "without doubt" has enabled the police in Gereshk to become more professional and in time more respected by the Afghan civilians.
A statement released after his death said that Corporal Kumar was a first-class soldier who loved soldiering and embraced the challenges it posed.
"He was a very intelligent and capable individual who spoke a number of languages including English, Hindi, his native Nepali and tribal languages. He was highly regarded and respected by all, a polite and quiet character who was a pleasure to be around. He was a good athlete and a fierce competitor on the sports field. His service to his Battalion was characterised by the highest level of professionalism, loyalty and dedication."
He was survived by his parents, Dhanbahadur and Sukmaya Pun, younger brother Santosh, younger sister Bindu and his wife Parbati and daughters, Klaudine and Petrina, who live in Dover.
Major Chris Conroy, Officer Commanding Foxtrot Company, 2nd Battalion The Royal Gurkha Rifles, said:
"Corporal Kumar was a man of unique character and virtue. As a soldier he was unstintingly professional, calm and respectful of all, never failing to help and always willing to volunteer.
"As a father and husband he took great pride in his family and children and I know they were always at the front of his thoughts.
"On operations in Afghanistan he was steadfast, brave and a true leader. He looked after his soldiers as if they were his own, caring for them and watching over their every move."
Captain Pratapsing Rai Second-in-Command of Foxtrot Company, 2nd Battalion The Royal Gurkha Rifles, paid tribute when he said: "Kumar you were loyal, very approachable, hardworking and always had a positive outlook in your day to day job.
"Your selfless contribution to the Company was remarkable.
"You were the most likeable Junior Non Commissioned Officer and well respected by all members of Foxtrot Company."
Warrant Officer (Class 2) Chabindra Limbu, Company Sergeant Major, Foxtrot Company, 2nd Battalion The Royal Gurkha Rifles, said: "The loss of Corporal Kumar Pun has cast a dark shadow over Foxtrot Company and the Brigade of Gurkhas.
"He was a huge character who had a reputation for hard work and professionalism.
"He was a brave Gurkha soldier who loved his job, his friends and family. He was very loving, never judged anyone and was always very supportive, nothing was ever too much trouble for him."
Friend and comrade Lance Corporal Mankumar Rai said: "The 7th of May was the worst day of my life. It was hot and we were patrolling in the town for 2 hours. I heard a big sound in the middle of the patrol. I checked on my radio but Kumar was not there. Corporal Kumar was my best friend and comrade."
Rifleman Tikaraj Limbu said: "Dear Kumar Guruji, you were our senior Guruji, like a parent always caring for us. You helped in each and every difficult time. You always loved us like your kids.
"You were a hero. You left us on the way to our mission because God needs a hero like you. We miss you where ever you are."
Three other soldiers lost their lives in Afghanistan on the same day.
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