Corporal Stephen Bolger killed in Afghanistan
It is with great sadness that the Ministry of Defence must announce that Lance Corporal Nigel Moffett from The Light Dragoons and Corporal Stephen Bolger from The Parachute Regiment were killed in Afghanistan on Saturday 30 May 2009.
Both soldiers were killed as a result of an explosion that happened whilst on a deliberate operation near Musa Qaleh. They were serving with the Brigade Reconnaissance Force.
Corporal Stephen Bolger
Corporal Bolger’s family have released the following statement:
“Stephen was a wonderful first born son, brother to two and friend to many; he was dearly loved and will be sorely missed. Stephen was always happy, caring and generous and we are sure that those fortunate enough to have known him will share in the loss we are now feeling.
“We can take some comfort knowing that he died amongst friends, doing something he loved and believed in. We are all immensely proud of him.
“We would ask that the press respect our need to grieve in private at this difficult time.”
His Commanding Officer said:
“Stephen was, quite simply, an extraordinary man doing an extraordinary job. He embodied a life based on service to others, duty and self-sacrifice – the life of a soldier. He chose this life and lived it with a passion; he died prematurely, but he died doing what he loved.
“He gave his all for his friends, for The Parachute Regiment and for the difficult task he faced. How privileged we are to have known this courageous and talented soldier and every member of the unit is very proud and deeply honoured to have served alongside him.
“We think now about his family; our thoughts and prayers are with them, and in the silence of their lives we hope they will draw strength from the same memories we all share.”
Of the two soldiers, Secretary of State for Defence John Hutton said:
“Lance Corporal Nigel Moffett and Corporal Stephen Bolger paid the ultimate sacrifice in Afghanistan, protecting the security of our nation. The comments of their comrades make clear that these two young men were soldiers of unusual determination and ability. This is a terribly sad loss for the Armed Forces, and I can only express my deepest sympathy to their grieving families.”
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We will pray for your son on All Souls and for the next new year to come – You are all very much in my thoughts – still.