A Kent-based soldier killed in Afghanistan has been named as Rifleman Yubraj Rai.
And it has been revealed that the 28-year-old, from the 2nd Battalion The Royal Gurkha Rifles (2RGR), based at Shorncliffe, Folkestone, went to Afghanistan after volunteering to replace another rifleman who had fallen ill.
He was killed on Tuesday afternoon in the Musa Qala area of Helmand Province as a result of enemy fire.
Rfn Rai had been taking part in a joint International Security Assistance Force /Afghan National Security Forces operation against enemy forces to the south of the Afghan town, said the MoD.
He received medical treatment at the scene, but died of his wounds.
Rfn Rai came from Khotang district in eastern Nepal. Following in the footsteps of his uncle, he joined the British Army in January 1999. On completion of his recruit training, he joined the Royal Gurkha Rifles in Brunei.
He supported his mother, sister and three brothers as the family’s main earner.
In 2000, Rfn Rai was posted to ‘D’ (Gurkha Reinforcement) Company, the 1st Battalion The Royal Irish Regiment, where he served with distinction for two and a half years, said the MoD.
“His soldiering skills were widely recognised and his career was characterised by a number of successful operational tours including to Iraq, Sierra Leone, Bosnia and a previous tour in Afghanistan,” said the spokesman.
“He was an avid sportsman who enjoyed all competition, but his real passion was for football, at which he represented ‘B’ Company. This enthusiasm for the game extended to his support for Manchester United FC.”
The MoD spokesman added: “He was one of ‘B’ Coy’s more senior riflemen. He acted as a mentor for the younger men in the company, often impressing them with his fitness and stamina. Most recently he was employed as the company storeman, where his attention to detail, care to ensure that the men received the correct administrative support, and constant diligence were immensely respected.
“He had been eager to deploy back to Afghanistan, his selfless attitude once again coming to the fore when he volunteered to deploy with 5 Platoon to replace another rifleman who had fallen ill.”
Lieutenant Colonel Chris Darby, 2RGR’s commanding officer, said: “Yubraj Rai was an extraordinary character and a hard professional soldier with a proven operational record. Having served his time as a driving force in 5 Platoon, he moved to a supporting role in Musa Qala, but it was typical of the man that he volunteered for a place on the operation in Dagyan when another member of his company fell ill, and a measure of his professionalism that he did it so seamlessly.”
The battalion was only deployed to Afghanistan last month.
Lt Col Darby added: “Big, strong and highly experienced, Rfn Yubraj was one of the cornerstones of his company and he was known throughout the Battalion for his presence, drive and his ability as a soldier. Part of a small and tight knit team he understood intuitively what needed to be done, how, when and by whom and would move heaven and earth to ensure he got the support to his friends and comrades whatever the circumstances.
“Yubraj was a proud Nepali, a proud soldier and was exceptionally proud of being a Gurkha Rifleman. He knew the dangers involved in becoming a soldier and understood better than most what it meant to go to war; this was one of his greatest strengths. He died doing what he did best, amongst his greatest friends and admirers and for a cause he had taken the time to understand. He was brave, strong, hard and noble; he epitomised all that makes the Gurkhas great – the best. I was proud to have known him; he will not be forgotten.”
Corporal Bigendra Limbu, 3 Section Commander, 5 Platoon, said: “Rfn Yubraj was a truly outstanding rifleman with an extraordinary personality.
“His death will be felt by all of us, but the memory of his life will never fade. I extend my most heartfelt condolences to his family and pray that his soul may rest in peace in heaven; he will always remain in our hearts.”
Defence Secretary John Hutton MP said: “I was very saddened to hear of the death of Rifleman Yubraj Rai. I am told he stood out as a selfless, tough and dependable soldier.
"These qualities marked him out very early in his career as an ideal candidate for service with 'D' (Gurkha Reinforcement) Company. "Clearly the loss of Rifleman Rai is sorely felt by all those who worked with him and I extend my condolences to his family, comrades and friends.”
POSTED: 06/11/2008 11:37:04
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