UK Soldier Killed In Afghan Bomb Blast Named

A British soldier who died in Afghanistan on Friday has been named as Lance Corporal Duane Groom.

The 32-year-old, of 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards, was killed when his vehicle hit a roadside bomb in the Nahr-e Saraj district of Helmand province.

The Ministry of Defence described him as a "superb soldier" who was "fit, conscientious and extremely hard-working".

Lieutenant Colonel James Bowder, Commanding Officer, 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards, said: "Lance Corporal Groom was an outstanding soldier in every respect.

"Tough, keen, and unflappable, he was utterly committed to his fellows and the cause.

"We are all tremendously proud of what he achieved during his time in the regiment, and particularly out here in Afghanistan where he contributed so much.

"His many friends and the broader battlegroup will never forget this most talented of men. Moreover, we are determined to finish the mission that he so bravely helped to start.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends outside the regiment at this most difficult of times."

Lance Corporal Groom, who was born in Suva City in Fiji, joined the British Army in 2007.

He was on his second tour of duty in Afghanistan, providing force protection for British military advisors to the Afghan National Army.

His death was unrelated to the attack on the same day at Camp Bastion in which two US Marines were killed.

The Guardsman was the 428th member of UK forces to have died in Afghanistan since operations began in October 2001.

Two more, as yet unnamed UK soldiers were killed on Saturday, taking the figure to 430.

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