Teenage soldier killed in grenade attack is named as local man (From Droitwich Advertiser)

Teenage soldier killed in grenade attack is named as local man

1:38pm Monday 6th July 2009

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AN EIGHTEEN-year-old soldier from Bromsgrove has been named as the man killed in a grenade attack in Afghanistan.

Private Robert Laws, of 2nd Battalion The Mercian Regiment, died in Afghanistan on Saturday.

The Ministry of Defence today put out a statement, expressing "deep regret" over the death of two soldiers in the conflict.

The other soldier confirmed dead was 29-year-old Lance Corporal David Dennis, of The Light Dragoons.

The men died in separate incidents whilst taking part in Operation PANCHAI PALANG, an operation involving around 3,000 soldiers, to improve security in the area between Lashkar Gah and Gereshk, clear the Babaji and Malgir areas of insurgents and restore government control before the National elections. Private Laws, known as "Robbie", was killed when the vehicle he was travelling in was hit by a rocket-propelled grenade attack.

Lance Corporal Dennis was killed by a contact explosion from an Improvised Explosive Device whilst on foot.

Secretary of State for Defence, Bob Ainsworth MP, said: “The deaths of Lance Corporal David Dennis and Private Robert Laws were a desperately sad loss to their colleagues in Afghanistan, and indeed to the Armed Forces community. These two men were highly regarded by their comrades and commanders, and their deaths remind us of the ferocious conditions endured daily by our soldiers in Afghanistan, and the great gravity of what we are doing there. My deepest sympathies are with these two grieving families.”

Private Robert Laws, aged 18, joined 2nd Battalion the Mercian Regiment (Worcesters and Foresters) during Op HERRICK 10. His basic training started at the Army Foundation College, Harrogate, which prepares young men for the rigours of the Infantry Training Centre in Catterick. After completing the Combat Infantryman’s Course in March of this year he passed off the square at Catterick and deployed to Helmand Province to join B Company.

Private Laws was killed alongside his mates in B Company while they were operating under command of the Light Dragoons Battlegroup during Operation PANCHAI PALANG.

Private Laws, from Bromsgrove, was a popular member of his platoon during training and achieved ‘Best Shot’ on the Light Machine Gun. When Robbie arrived at 2 MERCIAN he quickly became known for his mischievous sense of humour and a cheeky wit which endeared him well to his Platoon Sergeant.

To undertake basic training and be on the frontline in Afghanistan within a year is a tremendous undertaking, especially for someone who is 18 years old. Private Laws rose to this challenge by embracing all the best qualities of being a soldier: ability to adapt and learn; strength of character; determination.

Private Laws’ family issued the following statement: “The parents and close family are immensely proud of their popular and loving son. They would like to thank all their friends for their loving support at this very difficult time.”

Lieutenant Colonel Simon Banton, Commanding Officer of 2nd Battalion the Mercian Regiment (Worcesters and Foresters), said: “Robbie only joined 2 MERCIAN (Worcesters and Foresters) a very short time ago but had already begun to make his mark. He was excited and eager to deploy to Afghanistan and this only a few days after his 18th birthday. He was a warm and cheerful young man who mucked in when there was work to be done and quickly made friends. Robbie’s falling has taken a good soldier from us; a man who was not afraid to move forward, endure hardship and he had the courage to fight the enemy alongside his brothers. Robbie died alongside his mates in B Company, 2 MERCIAN, and his death has rocked them - they will hold him in their hearts as they fight on. The entire Regiment’s prayers are with Robbie’s family who are devastated by his loss.”

Lieutenant Colonel Gus Fair, Commanding Officer The Light Dragoons Battle Group, said: “Private Laws had only been in the Battle Group a short time, but had already made an impression on his company as a bright, keen and enthusiastic soldier. He died going forward, taking the fight to the enemy and helping to free the local population from the tyranny of the insurgents. His loss is felt deeply through the whole Battle Group, and we will ensure that he is not forgotten.”

Sergeant Major Paul Muckle, the B Company Sergeant Major, said: “Private Robbie Laws joined B Company on the frontline south of Garmsir, a town in Helmand Province. From the outset he settled well into the Platoon and became known for his mischievous sense of humour. Robbie showed great potential during his short time with B Company. My thoughts go out to his family and friends at this very sad and difficult time.”

Major Richard Johnson, Officer Commanding Anzio Coy, Infantry Training Centre Catterick, said: “Private Laws developed noticeably throughout his time with Anzio Company. Although initially of a quiet nature he became popular and influential with his platoon as his ability developed. Excelling in shooting for a soldier of a slight build, he was commended for achieving the award of ‘Best Shot’ on the Light Machine Gun.

“Private Laws was the epitome of a recruit whose heart was set on a military path. It was a childhood dream that he could see developing steadily in front of him; he achieved his ambition of joining his chosen Battalion. He is remembered by all the military and civilian staff within Anzio Company for his quiet but determined nature.”

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