Soldier killed in Afghanistan named

A British soldier killed in Afghanistan on Tuesday has been named by the Ministry of Defence.

Private Peter Cowton, 25, from the 2nd Battalion The Parachute Regiment, suffered serious injuries in a blast in Helmand Province during a routine patrol.

Private Cowton's parents, Karen and Robin Rolfe, from Basingstoke, Hampshire, said: "Peter was proud to serve his country, having already served in Iraq whilst a member of the Territorial Army.

"He was so proud to be a paratrooper as we, his parents, and family were. His short regular Army career will not be forgotten, and his maroon beret will have loving memories in our home. We are so proud of you."

Major Adam Dawson, C (Bruneval) Company Commander, said: "Pte Cowton was a vibrant and much-loved 25-year-old soldier, with a passion for the Army and the Parachute Regiment.

"He was a lynchpin in 9 Platoon, with his previous military experience and mature head, cool outlook and indomitable spirit. He was a very promising prospect indeed for the future, despite his limited time of service at 2 PARA."

He continued: "Bruneval Company has lost a very dear friend and a man with a bright future ahead of him. He was the honest soldier, applying himself to any task unswervingly for the sake of his brothers in arms, without thought for himself.

"He set the gold standard in everything he did, never one to compromise or shy away from work for a satisfactory outcome - this is his legacy that many will aspire to attain but few will achieve.

"Our very sincere condolences and prayers are extended to his family at this difficult time."

Private Cowton's death takes the number of British service personnel who have lost their lives in the country since the start of operations in November 2001 to 114.

On Monday, Sergeant Jonathan Mathews, 35, from Edinburgh, was killed while on foot patrol in the same region when his party came under Taliban fire.

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