A DAGENHAM soldier was the latest casualty in Afghanistan and brought glowing tributes from civic and army dignitaries. Martin Kinggett, 19, from Bennett s Castle Lane, Dagenham, was killed by a gunshot wound in Sangin, Helmand Province on Thursday (Febr

A DAGENHAM soldier was the latest casualty in Afghanistan and brought glowing tributes from civic and army dignitaries.

Martin Kinggett, 19, from Bennett's Castle Lane, Dagenham, was killed by a gunshot wound in Sangin, Helmand Province on Thursday (February 25).

His death has saddened colleagues and brought a moving tribute from his former commanding officer of 3 Rifles, Lieutenant Colonel Nick Kitson.

He said: "Brave as a lion and selfless until the end, he fell to enemy fire while protecting the evacuation of a wounded comrade shot minutes before."

The mayor, Cllr Charles Fairbrass said of him 'He died serving his country.'

Rifleman Kinggett was killed while attached to A Company, 4 Rifles

An army spokesman said: "Rifleman Kinggett was on a routine foot patrol as part of a larger operation to provide security for the local population in Sangin. "During the patrol he and his comrades were required to provide covering for for the evacuation of an injured colleague and Rifleman Kinggett was shot and killed."

Other tributes have been pouring in with his family saying: "Martin was a loving son, brother, grandson, uncle and boyfriend. He will be missed by many, many people who know him and loved him

"He gave his life doing what he loved, he always wanted to be a solder. He will always be our hero.

Commanding Officer of 4 Rifles, Lieutenant Colonel Rupert Jones said: "Rifleman Kinggett was nothing if not a character and his friends loved him for it.

"Things were never going to be dull with him around and his mischievous streak saw him push the boundaries.

"He was a young man that his mates could absolutely rely on. He had a very good heart and was deeply loyal to he friends, loyalty that was repaid without question.

"His family who he loved so openly and talked of so frequently will be devastated at his loss, but will take great pride that he fell as he had lived, helping his friends."

Further tributes were paid by Major Richard Streatfield, Officer Commanding A Company, 4 Rifles.

He said: "Rifleman Kinggett was impossible not to like. He arrived in A Company in April 2009.

"He had completed the full repertoire of mistakes one might make as a young Rifleman and even added a couple for good measure before we got to Afghanistan in October.

"Soldiering in Afghanistan was the making of him. On operations, he performed outstandingly well. He gained maturity, professional pride, trust, a keen sense of responsibility."

His platoon sergeant, Jimmy Houston said: "There is much talk about everything that is wrong with youth of today. Martin Kinggett however exemplified everything that is right about the young people of Great Britain."

Secretary of State, Bob Ainsworth MP, said: "I was deeply saddened to hear of the death of Rifleman Martin Kinggett.

"He was a bright and enthusiastic young soldier who was thriving on the responsibility of his duties in Afghanistan.

"My deepest condolences are with his family and friends at this time."

Rifleman Kinggett's body will be flown home on Thursday at 11am when the residents of Wooton Bassett are expected to pay their respects.

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