British Soldier Who Died From Wounds Named

A British soldier who died in hospital from wounds suffered in combat in Afghanistan has been named.

The Ministry of Defence said Kingsman David Robert Shaw, from 1st Battalion The Duke of Lancaster's Regiment, died in the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham on January 16.

Kingsman Shaw sustained a gun shot wound when his checkpoint came under attack from insurgents in the Lashkar Gah district of Helmand province on January 14.

The 23-year-old was from Barrow-in-Furness and joined the Army in February, 2008.

Kingsman Shaw, a qualified sharpshooter and an assault pioneer, died on his second deployment to Afghanistan.

His family said: "David was a much-loved son and brother who was proud to have served his country in the 1st Battalion The Duke of Lancaster's Regiment.

"He loved his family and friends and would always make time for a hug for everybody. He enjoyed playing football, running and was an Arsenal fan.

"He also followed his local team, Barrow AFC. He has touched many lives. He will be missed and never forgotten."

Lieutenant Colonel Nick Wood, commanding officer of the battalion, added: "The death of Kingsman David Shaw is a devastating tragedy. The loss of our fallen comrade, who has fought so bravely and fiercely for three months, is deeply felt by all..."

"David was a true Cumbrian and Kingsman - physically and mentally tough, a warrior through and through, utterly loyal to those he worked with and possessing a sense of humour that touched us all.

"Known throughout the Battalion as 'Doctor S' he was the most popular of individuals. His joking and light heartedness would lift the gloomiest of situations and have us all laughing."

Kingsman Matthew Bond, Foxhound operator of Corunna company said: "The whole time I knew David he was a bright, funny and a hardworking young man.

"He was well liked and respected by the whole company. David's death was heartbreaking to hear about and my thoughts are with his friends and family."

Defence Secretary Philip Hammond added: "My thoughts are with his family, loved ones and those he served alongside in the Duke of Lancaster's Regiment."

Kingsman Shaw is the second British serviceman to be killed in Afghanistan this year and his death takes to 440 the number of UK service members who have lost their lives since operations began in October, 2001.

Sapper Richard Reginald Walker, 23, from 28 Engineer Regiment attached to 21 Engineer Regiment, was killed in a "green-on-blue" insider attack by a suspected member of the Afghan National Army in the Nahr-e Saraj district of Helmand province on January 7.

Sapper Walker's body was repatriated to the UK on Thursday.